HCR41 INTR
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 41
(By Delegates
Warner, Proudfoot, Shelton, Yeager, C. White,
Marshall, Hubbard, Susman, Stephens, Kominar, Manchin, Leggett,
Boggs, Butcher, R. Thompson and R. M. Thompson
)
(Originating in the Committee on Roads and Transportation)
[Introduced February 21, 2002
]
Directing the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make a
study of the effectiveness of the suspension of drivers'
licenses to accomplish the goals of the Legislature.
Whereas, In past legislation, suspension of a driver's license
has been enacted for varied reasons, as punishment, as a collection
measure for state and county fines, as a safety precaution and as
a device to modify behavior; and
Whereas, The suspension of a driver's license has a severe
effect on many individuals, sometimes causing the loss of
employment and, thus, the ability to provide for one's family; and
Whereas, There is a question of the impact that past enactments
providing for suspension have had on all of the residents of West
Virginia; and
Whereas, The Legislature desires to use the remedy of
suspension in the most effective manner while minimizing any unnecessary hardship imposed on the residents of the state and on
the executive branch of the government; 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 the impact that the
imposition of suspension of drivers' licenses has on the finances
of the counties, cities and state and on the suspended individuals
by contacting the law-enforcement authorities throughout the state,
by examining the experience of other states that have implemented
a program of driver's license suspension, and by questioning
governmental officials with the aims of assessing the impact which
the various suspension programs have on traffic safety and in
reducing injuries and fatalities, and on county and municipal
finances and on the suspended individuals and their families and to
make recommendations to the Legislature regarding any proposed
improvements in the law relating to suspension of drivers'
licenses; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2003, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations with drafts of
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 to be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.