Directing the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make a study of the safe and appropriate use of all terrain vehicles (ATVs).

Whereas, The increase in accidents involving ATVs, with resulting fatalities and serious injuries, is of serious concern; and
Whereas, There has been legislation proposed in West Virginia and enacted in other states to implement regulation of the use of ATVs, the equipment required on an ATV and the age and qualifications of an ATV user; and
Whereas, There is a question of the impact that such a regulatory program would have on the residents of West Virginia, particularly residents in rural areas of the State; and
Whereas, The Legislature desires to promote the safe use of ATVs in the most fair manner while minimizing any hardship imposed on the residents of the State and to reduce injuries, death and property damage; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to review, examine and study the impact that regulation of ATVs would have on safe use of ATVs and on the needs of the residents in the State of West Virginia for ATV usage, particularly in the rural areas of the State by contacting the law-enforcement authorities throughout the State, by examining the experience of other states that have implemented the regulation of ATVs, with the aims of assessing the impact which regulation of ATVs would have on traffic safety and in reducing injuries and fatalities, and of determining the impact which a regulatory program would have on the necessary travel on ATVs by the residents of the State and to make recommendations to the Legislature regarding any proposed improvements in the law relating to ATVs; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, two thousand one, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations with drafts of 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 to be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.