HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 23
(By Delegates Jenkins and Proudfoot)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make a study of possible dispositions in pension benefits for law-enforcement officers.

Whereas, There are approximately one hundred eighteen conservation officers in the state of West Virginia; and
Whereas, Conservation officers receive two percent of the average of his or her highest three years of service of the previous ten years, multiplied by his or her years of service as a pension upon retirement; and
Whereas, Municipal police officers receive sixty percent of their salaries over their total years of service as a pension upon retirement; and
Whereas, State police receive as a pension five and one-half percent of their salaries over their total years of service as a pension upon retirement; and
Whereas, The means of computation of law-enforcement officers' pensions may cause unequal dispositions in benefits for similar forms of public service; and
Whereas, Disability pensions for disabled law-enforcement officers may be based upon dissimilar criteria; 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 possible disparities in law-enforcement pension laws and make recommendations regarding a comprehensive redrafting on such laws; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 1998,; 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.