HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 78
(By Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kiss)
[Introduced April 11, 2001; referred to the
Committee on Rules.]
Proposing that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance
authorize a continuous interim study of the effects and impact
of gambling on the citizens of the State of West Virginia.
Whereas, The State of West Virginia has legalized many forms of
gambling in this State, including charitable bingo and charitable
raffles; and
Whereas, While the lot of many citizens of the State of West
Virginia may have been improved and jobs have been created as a
direct result of the legalization of some forms of gambling in our
state; and
Whereas, These benefits to our state as a result of the
legalization and expansion of gambling may not be without long term
social costs; and
Whereas, It is prudent that the Legislature be fully informed
on the social costs of gambling and the overall effects of gambling
on the citizens of our state; and
Whereas, The National Gambling Impact Study Commission, after
a two year study, issued a report that recommended a moratorium on
the expansion of legal gambling and a ban on Internet gambling; and
Whereas, The Legislature may be able to avert some, if not all, of the social costs of gambling, through the knowledge gained from
this study
;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance establish
a comprehensive study of the effects of gambling on the citizens of
this state and of the overall impact of gambling on this state; and
be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, two
thousand three and each five years thereafter, 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 reports and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.