HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 95

(By Delegate E. Pritt, Brooks, Fast, Kelly, and Kirby)

[Introduced February 27, 2024; referred to the Committee on Rules]

Requesting That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance engage in a study to examine the casualty numbers, including both wounded and killed persons, for car accidents caused by drivers with impaired cognition due to dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or other similar diseases. The study should also examine how other states have handled this issue and how the Division of Motor Vehicles and medical professionals could work with families in order to address their family member's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Whereas, The Legislature finds that there may be persons operating vehicles in an unsafe manner due to impaired cognition due to dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or other similar diseases; and

Whereas, The Legislature finds that other states may have alternative strategies to handling this issue that could inform how the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles and families of impaired drivers could help to ensure safe driving; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance engage in a study to examine the casualty numbers, including both wounded and killed persons, for car accidents caused by drivers with impaired cognition due to dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or other similar diseases. The study should also examine how other states have handled this issue and how the Division of Motor Vehicles and medical professionals could work with families in order to address their family member's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle; and be it

Further resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance shall report to its findings, conclusions, and recommendations along with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations during the Regular Session of the Legislature in 2025; and, be it

Further resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, prepare a report, and draft necessary legislation will be paid from legislative appropriations of the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.