SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 35

(By Senators Craigo, Fanning, Plymale, McCabe, Jackson, Edgell, Love, Unger, Burnette, Ross, Prezioso, Kessler, Minard, Helmick, Bailey, Bowman, Sharpe, Hunter, Rowe, Caldwell, Oliverio, Redd, Sprouse, Minear, Mitchell, Chafin, Anderson and Tomblin, Mr. President)




Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study possible changes in pension benefits for correctional officers and other employees in similar positions.

Whereas, Many of the employees of the Division of Corrections, the Division of Juvenile Services and the Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority work in conditions that are hazardous and, consequently, these employees experience tremendous stress and job burnout; and

Whereas, The Division of Corrections, the Division of Juvenile Services and the Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority have trouble retaining qualified and experienced employees; and

Whereas, State Police officers, who are also within the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, may retire with 20 years of service at 55 years of age; and

Whereas, There may be good reasons to change the pension eligibility requirements and benefits for employees of the Division of Corrections, the Division of Juvenile Services and the Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority who work as correctional officers or in other similar positions; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is requested to review, examine and study possible disparities in law-enforcement pension laws as compared to laws providing pension benefits for correctional officers and other employees in similar positions and make recommendations regarding a comprehensive redrafting of such laws; 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 necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.