HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 64
(By Delegates Manchin, Doyle, Lawrence, Longstreth, Louisos, D.
Poling, Ross, Susman, Williams, Anderson, Duke, Ellem, Schadler,
Cowles, and Sumner)
[Originating in the Committee on Political Subdivisions
on April 2, 2009]
Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance
authorize the study of taxi service and whether local
regulation may provide for more efficient taxi service.
WHEREAS, Currently, in order for taxi service to be
established in this state, the Public Service Commission must issue
a certificates of need; and
WHEREAS, A certificate of need never expires, essentially
creating a perpetual monopoly for the certificate holder; and
WHEREAS, If taxi service is already established in an area, an
outside taxi service requesting to take part in the same market
must demonstrate a high standard of proof that additional services
are needed; and
WHEREAS, The code section dealing with the regulation of motor
vehicle carriers by the Public Service Commission has not been
revisited since 1963; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature has received complaints that areas in
our state do not have adequate taxi service; and
WHEREAS, Four of our surrounding five states regulate taxi
service at the local levels of government; and
WHEREAS, Counties and municipalities may be more aware of the
transportation needs of their citizens than a state agency; and
therefore be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the regulation of taxies and taxi stands and
whether local regulation may provide for more efficient taxi
service; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the Regular Session of the Legislature, 2010, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Legislative 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.