SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 27

(By Senator Bartlett, Chapman, Charnock, Deeds, Fuller, Garcia, Helton, Martin, Rose, Rucker, Tarr, Taylor, Weld, Willis, and Stuart)

[Originating in the Committee on the Judiciary; reported April 12, 2025]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the issues surrounding the sale of alcohol and liquor, specifically evaluating the regulatory framework while simultaneously addressing efficiency and ways to modernize liquor and alcohol regulation in the state of West Virginia.

Whereas, the State of West Virginia has extensive alcohol and liquor control regulations that may be hindering business operations in this industry; and,

Whereas, many of the current laws surrounding alcohol and liquor were passed nearly a century ago in the 1930s, which may not align with modern practices in this industry; and,

Whereas, modernization efforts may present opportunities to improve administrative efficiency, promote fair competition, reduce unnecessary regulation, support responsible consumption, and identify market-based best practices; and,

Whereas, many stakeholders, including businesses, consumers, health professionals, and law enforcement, have expressed interest in evaluating the efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness of the existing regulatory framework; and,

Whereas, states across the country are reassessing and attempting to update their regulatory approaches to alcohol and liquor to better align with the modern landscape of the alcohol and liquor industry; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the issues of the current regulatory framework surrounding the manufacture, distribution, sale, and consumption of alcohol in the state of West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the issues set forth in this resolution and is further requested to give additional consideration to:

1. Evaluation of the regulatory framework within the alcohol and liquor industry;
2. Addressing efficiency within the alcohol and liquor industry; and,
3. Addressing potential modernization of existing laws and the regulatory process.

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2026, 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.