HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 59

(By Delegates Williams, Swartzmiller, Romine, Hamilton, Howard, Sumner, Paxton, Long, Stemple, Crosier, Poling, Perry, Wakim, Shaver, Renner, Sobonya, Tabb, Beach, Canterbury, Duke, Kuhn, Hartman, Shelton, Fragale and Mezzatesta)

[February 27, 2004]


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the feasibility of utilizing juvenile detention centers at various locations across the state of West Virginia for the purpose of providing alternative education opportunities for those students for whom alternative education opportunities have been mandated.

Whereas, Alternative education opportunities are mandated for many students in West Virginia schools for the purpose of allowing students under disciplinary sanction to continue their education in controlled and safe settings; and
Whereas, There are a number of modern and professionally administered juvenile detention centers located throughout the state; and
Whereas, Several of these juvenile centers are located in such proximity to schools and residential areas in their respective counties to permit practical transport of those students enrolled in local alternative education programs to these centers; and
Whereas, The potential cost efficiency and safety benefits to the county school systems, the students involved and the local communities may prove to be considerable and warrant further study; therefore be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the feasibility, legality and fiscal ramifications of utilizing juvenile detention centers to house local alternative education programs where practicable; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2005, 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.