HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 78

(By Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kiss, and Delegates Armstead,

Ashley, Calvert, Hall, Azinger, Hines, Jenkins,
Schadler, Harrison and Trump)



Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to make a study of ways to streamline the regulatory process in state government in order to foster economic expansion and development.

Whereas, The ability of businesses to operate, expand and relocate operations within the State of West Virginia is a paramount priority, especially in this time when the ability of businesses to operate, expand and relocate operations within West Virginia is crucial to improving the economic climate of the State; and
Whereas, An efficient, prompt and cooperative regulatory program is necessary to stimulate the operation of business and industry and to foster economic expansion; and
Whereas, The ability of business and industry to obtain timely and expedient decisions and the issuance of permits from regulatory agencies designed to ensure the safe and environmentally responsible operations of such industries is imperative to economic growth in West Virginia; and
Whereas, Unnecessary delays and overly burdensome administrative proceedings, when experienced by business and industries desiring to locate or expand within this State, tend to impede and discourage such businesses and industries from locating or expanding in the State and, as a result, jobs and revenue are lost; and
Whereas, The West Virginia House of Delegates desires to encourage the most efficient, expeditious and cooperative regulatory environment in West Virginia in order to attract new businesses and encourage existing ones to expand; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby directed to review, examine and study ways to streamline the regulatory process in State government in order to foster economic expansion and development; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the said Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2001, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any 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 be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.