SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 34
(By Senators Helmick, Chernenko and Whitlow)
Urging the president of the Senate to request a formal opinion,
on behalf of the members of the Senate, asking the attorney
general to determine whether the state lottery commission
may expand the lottery system without the express
authorization of the Legislature.
Whereas, Section thirty-six, article six of the constitution
of the state of West Virginia permits the Legislature to enact
general "laws to authorize lotteries which are regulated,
controlled, owned and operated by the state..."; and
Whereas, The state lottery commission has proceeded with
undue haste and apparent reckless abandon to expand the lottery
system in this state without consulting with or determining the
sentiment of the Legislature; and
Whereas, The members are concerned that recent actions of
the state lottery commission have resulted in a federal grand
jury investigation of the state's lottery system; therefore, be
it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby urges the president of the Senate to
request a formal opinion, on behalf of the members of the Senate,
asking the attorney general to determine whether the state
lottery commission may expand the lottery system without theexpress authorization of the Legislature.