HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 65

(By Delegates Beane, Kuhn, Butcher, Ennis, Hatfield, Iaquinta, Manchin, Manuel, Martin, Perdue, Spencer, Talbott, Wright, Yeager, Yost, Azinger, Blair, Caruth, Frich and Walters )

(Originating in the Committee on Government Organization)

[February 27, 2003]


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the state's vital statistics system.

Whereas, The law governing the Office of Vital Registration last underwent significant legislative amendment in 1969, which amendment was based on the Model State Vital Statistics law drafted in 1959;

And,

Whereas, Occasions of identity theft and identity fraud have arisen in recent years, necessitating more specific statutory safeguards against such crimes;

And,

Whereas, Electronic registration of vital events would create greater uniformity for custodians of records and allow the state office to incorporate technological advances in records and information management;

And,

Whereas, A revision of the law governing vital statistics would allow the state to move forward with electronic storage, transfer and production of vital records, thereby protecting the security of
the records and identities of the citizens of 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 functions of the State Office of Vital Registration and the laws governing the recording, storage and management of vital statistics with an emphasis on updating and clarifying the law to safeguard the records and identities of the citizens of West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2004, 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.