In 2025, the Levin Center conducted a study of all 50 states to examine how legislatures ensure government programs work effectively for citizens. Factors such as legislative oversight committees, routine engagement with executive agencies, collection of casework data, digital transparency tools, and user-centered policy evaluation were of particular importance. The full report can be found here.
State Summary #
The Virginia General Assembly encourages testimony from the public in committee meetings through a “Citizen Involvement” section on its website, and citizens are also invited to provide written testimony by email. The emphasis in instructions for testimony seems to be primarily on legislation rather than oversight activities. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, a well-staffed oversight entity within the legislative branch, produces most oversight-related reports and makes them publicly available online.
