"Democratic state lawmakers are trying to adjust the process for how people are appointed to public university governing boards and debating whether higher education institutions should be able to hire their own legal counsel. 

A measure to that effect, House Bill 1385 by Del. Lily Franklin, D-Blacksburg, reported from a House Education subcommittee Monday. As it moves forward, a similar proposal is advancing in the state Senate. Both will continue to face deliberation and could be brought into alignment before the legislative session ends. 

Public universities’ boards of visitors function similarly to legislative bodies, though members are not elected. They are composed of people appointed by the governor, and it’s not unusual for appointees from multiple administrations to serve together. However, the state legislature must confirm all appointees, according to state law. 

Franklin’s bill is an effort to set clearer guidance on how boards are built, and itself builds on a recent executive order from Spanberger that requests a study for appointment processes. In an interview, Franklin said her bill can 'clarify the process' for when appointees join or leave boards," reports Virginia Mercury.

Photo: The Rotunda of the University of Virginia, designed by Thomas Jefferson along with a statue of him. (Photo by Getty Images)