HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 52
(By Delegates Spencer, Craig, Browning,
Stephens, Perry and Canterbury)
Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance
authorize the study of the creation of a new retirement system
for correctional officers employed by the State of West
Virginia.
WHEREAS, correctional officers are dedicated to enhancing
public safety and providing services and responsiveness to victims
of crime; and
WHEREAS, correctional officers provide a safe, secure and
humane correctional system that includes an effective community
supervision program and opportunities to prepare offenders for
successful re-entry; and
WHEREAS, correctional officers face stressful and dangerous
situations on a regular basis; and
WHEREAS, correctional officers for the Federal Bureau of
Prisons who have completed 20 years of service in a position
covered by "hazardous duty" law enforcement retirement provisions
are eligible to retire at age 50; and
WHEREAS, Division of Corrections, Regional Jail Authority and
Division of Juvenile Services employees are currently members of
the Public Employees Retirement System; and
WHEREAS, correctional officers may benefit from the creation
of a retirement system that considers the risks and work
environment associated with their job duties; and
therefore be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the creation of a new retirement system for
correctional officers employed by the State of West Virginia; and,
be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the Regular Session of the Legislature, 2009, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Legislative 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.