SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 51
(By Senators Kessler and Unger)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the
feasibility of the State of West Virginia joining the
National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact to ensure
cooperation with all jurisdictions for the exchange of
criminal history records for noncriminal justice purposes.
Whereas, The National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact
creates a legal framework for the cooperative exchange of criminal
history records for noncriminal justice purposes; and
Whereas, It is in the interest of the state to facilitate the
dissemination of criminal history records from other states for use
in West Virginia as is authorized by state law; and
Whereas, The Compact may provide the organization of an
electronic information-sharing system among the federal government
and states to exchange criminal history records for noncriminal
justice purposes authorized by federal or state law, such as
background checks for governmental licensing and employment; and
Whereas, Under the Compact, the Federal Bureau of
Investigation and the party states agree to maintain detailed
databases of their respective criminal history records, including
arrests and dispositions, and make them available to the federal
government and party states for authorized purposes; and
Whereas, Entering into the Compact may facilitate the
interstate and federal-state exchange of criminal history
information to streamline the processing of background checks for
noncriminal justice purposes; and
Whereas, Entering into the Compact may provide a mechanism for
establishing and enforcing uniform standards for record accuracy
and for the confidentiality and privacy interests of record
subjects; 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 of the State of West Virginia
joining the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact to ensure
cooperation with all jurisdictions for the exchange of criminal
history records for noncriminal justice purposes; 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.