HOUSE BILL NO. 2312 Offered January 10, 2007 Prefiled January 9, 2007 A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 2.2-108.1, relating to the Governor; performance review. ---------- Patron-- Lingamfelter ---------- Committee Referral Pending ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 2.2-108.1 as follows:

§ 2.2-108.1. Performance review of certain state agencies; scope of review; report.

A. The Governor shall initiate, within 120 days of taking office, an operational and programmatic performance review of state agencies in accordance with this section. The purpose of this review shall be to provide an objective and independent assessment of the Commonwealth’s organizational structure and its programs in order to provide information to the Governor and the General Assembly to effect economies and efficiencies in the operation of state government.

B. Certain state agencies in the executive branch of government with total agency appropriations of two percent or more of the total state-appropriated funds as selected by the Governor shall be subject to review. The provisions of this act shall not apply to public institutions of higher education. The review shall be conducted by a private management consulting firm with experience in conducting statewide performance reviews.

C. The review shall include:

1. Statewide information technology;

2. Performance-based budgeting and revenue maximization;

3. Personnel management;

4. Acquisition and procurement;

5. Health and human services;

6. Public safety;

7. Resource and environmental protection;

8. Economic development and business assistance;

9. Agency reorganization and consolidation; and

10. The activities of agencies and programs that are not meeting their specific goals and objectives in a cost-effective manner. 

The review shall take into consideration audits in other states with similar operations to determine how efficient Virginia is compared to other states, as well as how such agencies and instrumentalities are achieving their intended goals as stated in their mission statements, strategic plans, or performance goals and objectives. The review shall also take into consideration results of any prior studies, audits, or reviews conducted by the General Assembly, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, the Auditor of Public Accounts, or Governor-appointed commissions or task forces and any other independent studies that address the structure and operation of state government.

D. The Governor shall ensure that the review is completed and the resulting report is available to the General Assembly and the Council on Virginia's Future within 18 months of completion of the review.