HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 132
(By Delegates Schoen, Hunt and Ellem)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study
the feasibility, benefits and impact of permitting law-
enforcement officers to take persons who are driving with
suspended or revoked drivers' licenses directly to a
magistrate.
Whereas, According to the West Virginia State Police, tens of
thousands of West Virginia drivers are driving on suspended or
revoked drivers' licenses; and
Whereas, Law-enforcement officers are finding it increasingly
difficult to enforce the drivers' licensure requirements; and
Whereas, It is in the public interest for the state to encourage
and enforce the motor vehicle drivers' license laws of this state;
and
Whereas, Allowing drivers to skirt their responsibilities and
legal obligations poses a substantial risk to public safety; and
Whereas, Barriers to enforcement of the laws of this state
should be removed; and
Whereas, With Senate Bill 550 pending before the Legislature
there would be a mechanism by which violators could return to a lawful driving status; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the feasibility, benefits and impact of
permitting law-enforcement officers to take persons who are driving
with suspended or revoked drivers' licenses directly to a
magistrate; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2011, 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.