WEST virginia legislature

2016 regular session

Committee Substitute

for

Senate Joint Resolution 14

By Senators Karnes, Leonhardt, Blair, Cline, Maynard, Sypolt, Beach, Laird, Miller, Williams and Woelfel

[Originating in the Committee on the Judiciary; reported on February 27, 2016]

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of West Virginia amending article III thereof, by adding thereto a new section, designated section twenty-three, relating to the right to farm and ranch; numbering and designating such proposed amendment; and providing a summarized statement of the purpose of such proposed amendment.

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia, two thirds of the members elected to each house agreeing thereto:

That the question of ratification or rejection of an amendment to the Constitution of the State of West Virginia be submitted to the voters of the state at the next general election to be held in 2016, which proposed amendment is that article III thereof be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated section twenty-three, to read as follows:

 ARTICLE III.  BILL OF RIGHTS.

§ 23. Right to Farm and Ranch.

            The right of farmers and ranchers to engage in natural, traditional or modern farming and ranching practices is forever guaranteed in this state. 

Resolved further, That in accordance with the provisions of article eleven, chapter three of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, such amendment is hereby numbered “Amendment No. 1” and designated as the “Right to Farm and Ranch Amendment” and the purpose of the proposed amendment is summarized as follows:  “To add a new section to article III of the West Virginia Constitution, to recognize the right of citizens of West Virginia to farm and ranch.”