![](tabb36.gif)
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 65
(By Delegates Beane, Kuhn, Butcher, Ennis, Hatfield, Iaquinta,
Manchin, Manuel, Martin, Perdue, Spencer, Talbott, Wright,
Yeager, Yost, Azinger, Blair, Caruth, Frich and Walters
)
(Originating in the Committee on Government Organization)
[February 27, 2003]
Requesting the
Joint
Committee on Government and Finance to study
the state's vital statistics system.
![](tabb36.gif)
Whereas, The law governing the Office of Vital Registration
last underwent significant legislative amendment in 1969, which
amendment was based on the Model State Vital Statistics law drafted
in 1959;
![](tabb36.gif)
And,
![](tabb36.gif)
Whereas, Occasions of identity theft and identity fraud have
arisen in recent years, necessitating more specific statutory
safeguards against such crimes;
![](tabb36.gif)
And,
![](tabb36.gif)
Whereas, Electronic registration of vital events would create
greater uniformity for custodians of records and allow the state
office to incorporate technological advances in records and
information management;
![](tabb36.gif)
And,
![](tabb36.gif)
Whereas, A revision of the law governing vital statistics would
allow the state to move forward with electronic storage, transfer
and production of vital records, thereby protecting the security of the records and identities of the citizens of this state;
therefore, be it
![](tabb36.gif)
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
![](tabb36.gif)
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the functions of the State Office of Vital
Registration and the laws governing the recording, storage and
management of vital statistics with an emphasis on updating and
clarifying the law to safeguard the records and identities of the
citizens of West Virginia;
and, be it
![](tabb36.gif)
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2004, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
![](tabb36.gif)
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.