HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 75
(By Delegates Spencer, Craig, Browning,
Stemple, Stephens, Duke and Canterbury)
Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance
authorize the study of the creation of a new retirement system
for conservation officers employed by the State of West
Virginia.
WHEREAS, the primary responsibility of a conservation officer
is to interpret and enforce State Natural Resource Laws, Rules and
Regulations; and
WHEREAS, conservation officers face dangers such as working
alone in secluded areas and confronting armed subjects who are
often under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and
WHEREAS, a conservation officer in West Virginia is as fully
certified as a police officer with the same state wide authority as
a State Trooper; and
WHEREAS, conservation officers must maintain a high degree of
physical conditioning due to the rough terrain they encounter, the
large amount of time spent patrolling on foot, and the need to
apprehend and control persons who may resist arrest; and
WHEREAS, conservation officers are currently members of the
Public Employees Retirement System; and
WHEREAS, conservation officers may benefit from the creation
of a retirement system that considers the risks and work
environment associated with their job duties; and
therefore be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the creation of a new retirement system for
conservation officers employed by 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 Legislative 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.