HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 45


(By Delegates Warner, Leach and Compton)

(Originating in the House Committee on

Roads and Transportation)

(March 8, 1995)


Requesting the appointment of a special joint committee to conduct an interim study relating to establishing a certified low- vision driver education training, evaluation and licensing program.

Whereas, The Division of Public Safety has implemented low- vision testing for bioptic drivers, who wear eyeglasses with permanently mounted prescription telescopic lenses; and
Whereas, Other states have implemented coordinated programs which administer evaluations and driver education training for the low vision driver; and
Whereas, The need exists to establish standards for testing low-vision drivers and for periodically reviewing the vision and driving skills of such low vision drivers, so that the Division of Motor Vehicles may have objective bases on which to issue and/or revoke low-vision drivers' licenses; and
Whereas, The health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the State of West Virginia will be promoted by a study relating to the establishment of standards for training, evaluating and licensinglow-visions drivers; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House create a special joint committee to conduct an interim study relating to establishing a comprehensive low-vision driver education training, evaluation and licensing program; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the special joint committee be authorized to conduct public hearings at one or more locations throughout the State for the purpose of receiving public comment on the issues under consideration and be authorized to take testimony at any such hearing; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the special joint committee report to the 1996 regular session of the Legislature on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, and to include with its report drafts of any proposed legislation or regulations 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 any proposed legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.