HOUSE RESOLUTION 8

(By Delegates Hanshaw (Mr. Speaker), Skaff, Dean and Evans)

[Introduced January 24, 2022]

H.R. 8 – “Creating a Select Committee on Coalfield Communities.”

Whereas, Coal production decline has had a devastating impact on the communities that have relied on the industry; and

Whereas, Due to a variety of reasons, West Virginia’s coal communities are home to several vulnerable populations, including people suffering from substance use disorder, mental illness, hunger, and homelessness; and

Whereas, The State continues to seek methods which would address these issues, which would ensure an educated, skilled, dedicated and diversified workforce, and this issue can, and has, been addressed through appropriate legislative action; therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates:

That for the remainder of the 85^th Legislature, there is hereby created a Select Committee on Coalfield Communities, consisting of not more than eleven members of the House of Delegates, to be appointed by the Speaker. Notwithstanding the provisions of any House rule to the contrary, the Select Committee hereby created shall receive testimony, consider legislation, and recommend action to the Speaker of the House regarding all issues relating to coalfield communities in the State of West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the rules of the House governing Standing Committees shall govern the actions and proceedings of this Select Committee insofar as applicable.