HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 108

(By Delegates Howell, Hamrick, Adkins, Brewer, Criss, Eldridge, Graves, Jennings, Martin, Maynard, Pack, Paynter, Pyles, Sypolt, Ward and Williams)

[Originating in the Committee on Government Organization; March 7, 2018; Referred to the Committee on Rules]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study encouraging the film industry and tourism mechanisms for promoting West Virginia.

Whereas, Modern media culture abounds in society and feature length films, such as We Are Marshall, The Mothman Prophecies, and Matewan, have helped introduce West Virginia to people who may not otherwise get to know about the state, its history and her people; and

Whereas, Movies and other cultural activities have the potential to enrich the lives of the citizens of this, and other states, and creates opportunities for economic activity that the Legislature believes we can and should encourage in both the public and private markets; and

Whereas, Movies produced in West Virginia have the dual benefit of stimulating the economy while in production and stimulating the economy from people learning about the state who bring tourism dollars to see first-hand the wild and wonderful things they learned about; and

Whereas, the Legislature is committed to removing barriers from economic opportunity, increasing awareness of this state through cultural and tourism promotion, and stimulating the economy through media and cultural activities that help attract people to live and visit this state; therefore be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study encouraging the film industry and tourism mechanisms for promoting West Virginia; and, be it

   Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2019, 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.