SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 21

(By Senators Barrett, Woodrum, Queen, and Nelson)

[Introduced February 28, 2023]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Technology study the feasibility of Digital Identification implementation to allow citizens to access state agency services with a signal sign-on platform.

Whereas, The continued reliance on paper forms by state agencies wastes valuable time and resources, including, but not limited to, unnecessary postage and paper expenses for the state and its citizens; and

Whereas, The use of paper forms causes unnecessary delay in processing requests from citizens; and

Whereas, Requests through a web portal for services are received instantly; and

Whereas, Citizens expect to be able to interact with state agencies when requesting services in the same manner that they would interact with private companies, either through a web portal or on a mobile device; and

Whereas, Development of a single sign-on platform would streamline the citizen experience in interacting with multiple state agencies when requesting services such as change of address or status; and

Whereas, Many other states have successfully implemented what is known as  Digital I.D., it allows citizens to access state government services securely and in a cost-effective manner; and

Whereas, Digital I.D. can enhance efforts by state agencies to detect fraud by those requesting services by state agencies; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Technology is hereby requested to study the feasibility of requiring the Office of Technology and state agencies to implement Digital I.D. in West Virginia; and, be it

Further resolved, That the Joint Committee on Technology report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2024, 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 appropriation to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.