HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 108

(By Delegates Sobonya, Rohrbach, Duke, Moffatt, Summers, Hicks, Arvon, Bates, Byrd,

A. Evans, Faircloth, Fleischauer, Fluharty, Folk, Frich, Guthrie, Hamrick, Hill, Howell, Lynch, McGeehan, Morgan, Moye, Perdue, Perry, R. Phillips, Pushkin, Romine, Rowe, P. Smith, Stansbury, Statler, Waxman and B. White)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study a program called Recovery Kentucky, which is designed to reduce the state's drug problem and homelessness issues. The program provides housing and recovery services to help residents recover from substance abuse, which often leads to chronic homelessness.

            Whereas, West Virginia's citizens suffer from substance abuse problems in large numbers, and also the rate of drug-induced deaths is one of the highest in the country; and

            Whereas, Without a stable place to live and a support system to help them address their underlying problems, many homeless people who suffer from substance abuse problems move between shelters, public hospitals, prisons, psychiatric institutions, and detoxification centers; and

            Whereas, Inmates who are approaching parole and release, especially those with a history of substance abuse, need transition services that assist their reintegration into the community; and

            Whereas, Other states have successfully enacted laws and programs that assist adults that are seeking recovery from alcohol and other drugs by providing services for abstinence and recovery; therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

            That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the desirability, feasibility and cost of implementing a program similar to Recovery Kentucky, which is designed to address resident's substance abuse problems and chronic homelessness, as well as save the state's tax dollars that would have been spent on jail costs and emergency room visits; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2016, 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.