SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 60

(By Senators Kessler, Dempsey, Fanning, Foster, Hunter,

Jenkins, Minard, Oliverio, White, Barnes, Caruth, Deem,

Harrison, Lanham, McKenzie and Weeks)

[Originating in the Committee on the Judiciary;

reported February 23, 2006.]



Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the possibility and economic feasibility of establishing a statewide automated victim notification network.

Whereas, The victims of crimes throughout the state have a direct interest in and need for information about the location of the person or persons who perpetrated crimes against them; and
Whereas, The current victim notification system operated by the Division of Corrections may be enhanced to provide more information to victims by including the court system, law enforcement and Regional Jail Authority as participants; and
Whereas, The Division of Corrections, the courts, law enforcement and Regional Jail Authority have limited resources available for victim notification programs; and
Whereas, More cost-effective and efficient systems of victim notification and information sharing may be available; and
 Whereas, The Legislature should focus on methods and procedures that best protect public safety, including victim notification, and provide a system for sharing information in the justice system without jeopardizing the mandate to incarcerate an ever-increasing inmate population; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the possibility and economic feasibility of establishing a statewide automated victim notification network ; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2007, 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.