SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 63
(By Senators Chafin, Fanning, Hunter and Sharpe)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the
role of bail bondsmen in West Virginia's criminal justice
system.
Whereas, The role of bail bondsmen in West Virginia's criminal
justice system is fundamental; and
Whereas, It is in the best interest of the state to provide a
strong bail bondsmen structure to effectuate the goal of a
democratic justice system in this state; 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 should consider the following: (1) The access of bail
bondsmen to regional jails; (2) their ability to compel their
clients to meet the terms of their contractual agreements and
arrive at court appearances on the scheduled dates; (3) the effect
of judicial rules regarding counties handling their own bonds
through a ten percent collection system; and (4) the possible
procedures for collection of bail at regional jails; 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.