S TRAN SCR ORG5 2-28

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 76

(By Senators Beach, Kirkendoll, Fitzsimmons, Plymale, Williams, Cole and Walters)

[Originating in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study allowing municipalities to designate a special class of taxicabs that may be operated only during designated evening and early-morning hours and that may consist of personal vehicles.

    Whereas, West Virginia law prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and

    Whereas, The operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs should be discouraged and safe transportation practices should be promoted; and

    Whereas, In many areas of West Virginia taxicabs are not readily available, particularly during evening and early-morning hours when persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs are most likely to seek to travel home; and

    Whereas, Permitting municipalities, by ordinance, to create a special class of taxicabs that may only operate during specific evening and early-morning hours when there is an increased transportation demand can promote the safety of West Virginians by providing them with an alternative to driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and

    Whereas, Such special taxicabs would be allowed to be operated by owners using their personal vehicles, but these special taxicabs would be limited to operating during designated days and hours; and

    Whereas, Municipalities, by ordinance, would determine licensing and insurance requirements for this special class of taxicab and provide penalties for operating them outside of the authorized designated days and hours; and

    Whereas, The number of taxicabs in such newly designated class in any municipality would be limited; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study allowing municipalities to designate a special class of taxicabs that may be operated only during designated evening and early-morning hours and that may consist of personal vehicles; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2015, 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.