SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 23

(By Senators Prezioso, Hunter, Sharpe, Boley, Unger, McCabe, Bowman and Minard)



Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the need for creating a forensic science task force.

Whereas, The state needs to consider the coordination and/or consolidation of the various state testing laboratories and other functions, including, but not limited to, the creation of a statewide laboratory complex; and
Whereas, The state has a shortage of specialists in certain forensic science fields; and
Whereas, The lack of forensic science specialists affects the state's ability to address emergency situations; and
Whereas, An improvement in the state's forensic science capabilities would enhance the ability of law enforcement to solve crimes and prosecute criminals; and
Whereas, There is a need to coordinate efforts to enhance laboratory accreditation, training of specialists and sharing of equipment among forensic organizations in the state; and
Whereas, Future federal funding for crime laboratories may require the establishment of a statewide plan for organizing forensic science capabilities; and
Whereas, The Legislature has studied this topic during the 2003 interim session and has recommended that this subject receive further study during the 2004 interim session; therefore, be it
 Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the need for creating a forensic science task force; 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.