HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 31\
(By Delegates Hunt and Amores)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make
a study regarding the safe coexistence of recreational
watercraft and commercial watercraft in the use of this
state's navigable waterways and of the feasibility of
mandatory education and licensing for recreation watercraft
operators in West Virginia.
Whereas, Administration officials of the Division of Motor
Vehicles and of the Division of Natural Resources have expressed
their willingness and desire to conduct a study of the need for
mandatory education and licensing of recreational motorboat
operators; and
Whereas, Such officials have received reports of seven
accidents involving pleasure boats and commercial tows which
resulted in fourteen injuries and four fatalities; and
Whereas, The Division of Natural Resources annually offers
classes in boating safety to all pleasure boaters; and
Whereas, The Division of Natural Resources has reported that
even though these classes are offered in areas of high boating
activity, these classes are not well attended; and
Whereas, The Division of Natural Resources and the Division
of Motor Vehicles have agreed in substance that they will form a
committee to study the need for a comprehensive boating education
program, whether it be voluntary or mandatory; and
Whereas, Both of the aforementioned divisions have expressed
a desire to work with any legislative interim committee which may
be authorized by the Legislature to seek a solution to the safety
hazards of mixing pleasure and commercial boating traffic on the
navigable streams of this State; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to review, examine and study the need for a safe
coexistence of recreation watercraft operators and commercial
barge operators on the navigable streams of the State and for
mandatory licensing and education for recreation watercraft
operators; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 1997,
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.