SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 57

(By Senators Caputo, Ihlenfeld, Jeffries, Lindsay, Martin, Nelson, Smith, Stover, Swope, Sypolt, Woodrum, and Maynard)

[Originating in the Committee on Government Organization; reported on March 31, 2021]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study electronic database publication of legal notices in lieu of newspaper publication.

Whereas, Electronic publication of legal notices and advertisements is efficient, cost-effective, and will likely save significant money for the State of West Virginia, its agencies, and its political subdivisions; and

Whereas, A substantial number of West Virginians lack broadband Internet service; and

Whereas, The inability to access electronic legal notices and advertisements may result in adverse legal consequences to West Virginia citizens; and

Whereas, Discontinuing print publication of legal notices and advertisements will result in significant loss of revenues for newspapers across the state; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study electronic database publication of legal notices in lieu of newspaper publication; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2022, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.