SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 54

(By Senators Redd, Sprouse and Unger)


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance make a study of the need, if any, to strengthen criminal penalties under current law relating to stalking and to further study the desireability and constitutional feasibility of creating a criminal offense for harassment.

Whereas, The criminal offense of stalking is a serious offense of which a substantial number of citizens of this state are subjected, sometimes with serious, debilitating or murderous results; and
Whereas, In addition to the offense of stalking, many citizens of this state are subjected to harassment by spouses, other family members or unrelated persons who commit such harassment with the intent to cause emotional distress to such citizens. Currently, there are no adequate criminal sanctions to effectively deal with the problem; and
Whereas, It is the duty of the Legislature to protect citizens of this state to the fullest extent from stalking and harassing conduct by other persons. While legislation has been introduced to address the problem, legitimate reservations exist which have prevented the passage of such legislation during this legislative session; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Legislature hereby requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance review, examine and study the need, if any, to strengthen criminal penalties under current law relating to stalking and to further study the desireability and constitutional feasibility of creating a criminal offense for harassment; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the 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.