HOUSE RESOLUTION 27

(By Delegate Linville)

[Introduced April 9, 2021]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the extent to which various federal, state, and local entities have dedicated or appropriated real and financial resources to expanding and improving broadband access in West Virginia over the next year.

Whereas, The Legislature recognizes that broadband improvement and expansion is critical to maintaining, improving, and diversifying West Virginia’s economy; and

Whereas, The citizens of West Virginia have repeatedly expressed concern as to the inadequacy of broadband access throughout the state; and

Whereas, There have been various federal, state, and local initiatives aimed at improving broadband access to the citizens of West Virginia over the next year; and

Whereas, A study into the various federal, state, and local initiatives targeted toward expanding and improving broadband access in West Virginia over the next year would leave the Legislature better equipped to consider legislation responsive to the citizenry’s needs during the second session of the 85^th Legislature; therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance shall undertake a study of any federal, state, and/or local initiatives dedicating or appropriating real and/or financial resources to expanding and improving broadband access in West Virginia over the next year; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance shall report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2022, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation or resolutions 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 the legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.