HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 54

(By Delegate Walters)

[Introduced April 3, 2001; referred to the

Committee on Rules.]


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make a study to determine the benefits, advantages and disadvantages of implementing legislation that would relieve counties, municipalities and school boards from complying with legislative mandates which involve increased cost to the county, municipality or school board unless the Legislature appropriates adequate funding to pay for the cost of the mandate.

Whereas, From time to time the Legislature enacts legislation mandating compliance with new requirements and additional burdens to counties, municipalities and school boards that do not involve public safety, health or the environment; and
Whereas, When additional mandated burdens which require substantial monetary cost are required of counties, municipalities or school boards without providing adequate funding to support implementation of same, the county, municipality or school board typically is unable to comply with the new mandated burdens without eliminating or reducing other vital functions or activities they perform; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby directed to review, examine and study the benefits, advantages and disadvantages of implementing legislation that would relieve counties, municipalities and school boards from complying with legislative mandates which involve increased cost to the county, municipality or school board unless the Legislature appropriates adequate funding to pay for the cost of the mandate; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2002, 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 legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.