SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 52

(By Senator Azinger)

[Originating in the Committee on Banking and Insurance; Reported on March 7, 2019]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the settlements and verdicts under the West Virginia Board of Risk and Insurance Management to determine whether the frequency or claim amounts paid provide a basis for improving the effectiveness of operations of any agencies or other units of state government.

Whereas, The West Virginia Board of Risk and Insurance Management (BRIM) is the state agency that is responsible for handling lawsuits brought against all state agencies, boards, and commissions; and

Whereas, BRIM spends millions of dollars every year to settle lawsuits; and

Whereas, The frequency and dollar amount of claims settled or tried to verdict under BRIM may give insight into agencies and other units of state government so that operations may be improved; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the settlements and verdicts under the West Virginia Board of Risk and Insurance Management to determine whether the frequency or claim amounts paid provide a basis for improving the effectiveness of operations of any agencies or other units of state government; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2020, 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.