SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 73
(By Senators Kessler, Dempsey, Fanning, Foster,
Hunter, Jenkins, Minard, Oliverio, White, Barnes,
Caruth, Lanham, McKenzie and Weeks)
[Originating in the Committee on the Judiciary.]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study
appropriate legislation codifying consent decrees in
disposable contact lens antitrust litigation.
Whereas, It is in the best interest of West Virginia consumers
to comparison shop in order to receive the best value for their
health care dollars; and
Whereas, Attorneys General in 32 states brought suit in the
1990s to bring lower prices to consumers buying contact lenses; and
Whereas, The contact lens litigation was settled in 2001 and
brought price competition to the contact lens market. These
settlements expire during the year 2006; and
Whereas, The Legislature should seek to protect the citizens
of West Virginia and their health care rights; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the legislature hereby requests the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance to study appropriate legislation codifying
consent decrees in disposable contact lens antitrust litigation; 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.