SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 55
(By Senators Fanning, Bowman, Deem, Love, McCabe, Minear,
Plymale, Prezioso, Ross, Smith and Snyder)
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[Originating in the Committee on Natural Resources.]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study
state fire code rules as they apply to bed and breakfasts.
Whereas, Bed and breakfasts are an integral part of the
state's small business and tourism industries which provide
specialized lodging in many parts of the state at tourism
attractions, including state and national parks, hiking and biking
trails, whitewater rafting, skiing and historic sites; and
Whereas, Bed and breakfasts are typically historic or unique
homes with a limited number of rooms rented to a few guests and are
not designed or financially able to meet stringent fire code rules
designed for larger lodging or rooming houses, although these rules
apply to bed and breakfasts; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study state fire code rules as they apply to bed and
breakfasts; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to examine ways to preserve the unique
and historic character of bed and breakfasts while maintaining fire
safety and contain the cost of conversion of homes to bed and
breakfasts to meet state fire code requirements; 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.