HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 57

(By Delegates Lane, Argento, Border, Eldridge, Perdue, and Rodighiero)


[February 26, 2007]



Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study on the need to eliminate mercury and mercury preservatives (thimerosal) in vaccines.

W
HEREAS , Current state law does not prohibit the use of mercury, mercury preservatives or other mercury compounds in vaccines; and
W
HEREAS , Several studies have indicated that vaccines containing mercury, mercury preservatives or other mercury compounds pose various health risks when administered to young children and pregnant women; and
W
HEREAS , Further study and reform is therefore needed to determine whether the presence of mercury, mercury preservatives or other mercury compounds should be eliminated from childhood vaccines; and
W
HEREAS , Discourse between representatives of local governments, the Department of Health and Human Services, vaccine manufacturers, public health advocates, and other concerned parties would greatly advance the process of formulating a solution to this potential health risk; therefore be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the presence of mercury or thimersasol in vaccines and the health risks associated with the presence of mercury and mercury preservatives such as thimerasol; and, be it
Further Resolved,
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2008, 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.