SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 54
(By Senators Redd, Sprouse and Unger)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance make a
study of the need, if any, to strengthen criminal penalties
under current law relating to stalking and to further study
the desireability and constitutional feasibility of creating
a criminal offense for harassment.
Whereas, The criminal offense of stalking is a serious offense
of which a substantial number of citizens of this state are
subjected, sometimes with serious, debilitating or murderous
results; and
Whereas, In addition to the offense of stalking, many citizens
of this state are subjected to harassment by spouses, other family
members or unrelated persons who commit such harassment with the
intent to cause emotional distress to such citizens. Currently,
there are no adequate criminal sanctions to effectively deal with
the problem; and
Whereas, It is the duty of the Legislature to protect citizens
of this state to the fullest extent from stalking and harassing
conduct by other persons. While legislation has been introduced to address the problem, legitimate reservations exist which have
prevented the passage of such legislation during this legislative
session; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance review, examine and study the need, if any,
to strengthen criminal penalties under current law relating to
stalking and to further study the desireability and constitutional
feasibility of creating a criminal offense for harassment; and, be
it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2001, 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.