SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 70

(By Senators Maynard, Beach, Cline, Karnes, Rucker, Smith, Stollings, and Sypolt)

[Originating in the Committee on Natural Resources; Reported on March 9, 2018]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the ways to deter wanton waste of game animals, game birds, and game fish.

Whereas, It is deleterious to the quality of West Virginia’s fields, woods, and streams for persons to waste game fish, game birds, and game animals by taking therefrom only certain valuable parts and leaving the remainder unused to simply decay; and

Whereas, The problems posed by such waste could be ameliorated by creating and/or enhancing penalties against persons engaged in such waste; and

Whereas, Before enacting legislation to prohibit any behavior related to such waste, the legislature would benefit from a study considering what, if any, consensus exists on how little use of particular types of game is acceptable before partial use degenerates into wanton waste, and what legislative action could best deter it; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the ways to deter wanton waste of game animals, game birds, and game fish; and, be it

Further Resolved, That input shall be sought from appropriate state, local, and private entities, including, but not limited to, the Division of Natural Resources; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2019, 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.