HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 94

(By Delegates Beane, Stemple and Cann)

[Introduced March 8, 2002; referred to the

Committee on Rules.]


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study on the role of bail bondsmen in West Virginia's criminal justice system.

W HEREAS , The access of bail bondsmen to regional jails; their ability to compel their clients to meet the terms of their contractual agreements and arrive to court appearances on the scheduled dates; the effect of judicial rules regarding counties handling their own bonds through a ten percent collection system; the possible procedures for collection of bail at regional jails; and the role generally of bail bondsmen in West Virginia's criminal justice system is fundamental; and
W HEREAS , It is in the best interest of the State to provide a strong bail bondsman structure to effectuate the goal of a democratic justice system in West Virginia; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the role of bail bondsmen in West Virginia's criminal justice system; 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, 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.