Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study development of technology infrastructure and access throughout the State of West Virginia .

Whereas, The internet revolution is driving today's economy and information technology offers increased economic opportunities, higher living standards, more individual choices and wider and more meaningful participation in government and public life; and
Whereas, Educational and socioeconomic factors must be addressed in order to increase community awareness of high-speed broadband, wireless infrastructure, digital applications and electronic government services; and
Whereas, Computers and high-speed broadband internet access, together with mobile technology, are becoming increasingly important for full participation in America's economic, political and social life, as well as essential for matters of homeland security and emergency response; and
Whereas, Development of broadband infrastructure, mobile technologies and related security standards are vital to health care delivery, governmental services, public safety, educational opportunities and community enhancement; and
Whereas, West Virginia has seen substantial progress over the past several years in the expansion and availability of high-speed internet options, such as cable and DSL; however, emerging business, government and consumer applications require continued development of technology infrastructure that is ubiquitous, reliable, secure and affordable; and
Whereas, It is in the interest of this state to promote innovative collaborations of public, nonprofit and private endeavors aimed at enhancing the availability of technology infrastructure; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the ubiquitous deployment of secure, reliable and affordable high-speed broadband and mobile technologies; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the study identify the socioeconomic and educational barriers that hinder the development of technology infrastructure and digital applications for businesses and citizens of West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the study identify collaborative initiatives for the development of technology infrastructure and mobile and wireless technologies; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the study include an inventory and review of existing technology infrastructure and electronic government services utilized by the State of West Virginia and its political subdivisions, including security, interoperability and related standards employed by those entities for matters of homeland security and emergency response; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the study identify areas of the state which are underserved by technology infrastructure and identify initiatives to provide infrastructure to those areas; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the study review long-range broadband technology deployment and investment programs; 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.