                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES (§ 2.2-4007.02)

A. Public participation guidelines for soliciting the input of interested
parties in the formation and development of its regulations shall be developed,
adopted, and used by each agency pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. The
guidelines shall set out any methods for the identification and notification of
interested parties and any specific means of seeking input from interested
persons or groups that the agency intends to use in addition to the Notice of
Intended Regulatory Action. The guidelines shall set out a general policy for
the use of standing or ad hoc advisory panels and consultation with groups and
individuals registering interest in working with the agency. Such policy shall
address the circumstances in which the agency considers the panels or
consultation appropriate and intends to make use of the panels or consultation.

B. In formulating any regulation, including but not limited to those in public
assistance and social services programs, the agency pursuant to its public
participation guidelines shall afford interested persons an opportunity to (i)
submit data, views, and arguments, either orally or in writing, to the agency,
to include an online public comment forum on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall,
or other specially designated subordinate and (ii) be accompanied by and
represented by counsel or other representative. However, the agency may begin
drafting the proposed regulation prior to or during any opportunities it
provides to the public to submit comments.

HISTORY: 2007, cc. 873, 916; 2012, c. 795.