HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 120

(By Delegates Armstead and Lane)


Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study ways to encourage the presence of smoke detectors in residential homes in the state of West Virginia.

Whereas, fire can quickly and easily destroy a family's home and take the lives of those residing there; and
Whereas, by providing an early warning sign of fire, smoke detectors play a vital role in saving property and reducing deaths and injuries resulting from fire; and
Whereas, the presence of a properly-maintained smoke detector in a home may cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half; and
Whereas, according to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 890 lives could be saved each year if all homes had functional fire alarms; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study ways to encourage the presence of smoke detectors in residential homes in the state of West Virginia; and be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2009, 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.