House Concurrent Resolution 119

[By Delegate Canterbury]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study a mechanism to allow nonresidents of a municipality who are users of that municipality’s fire service to opt out of fire protection coverage by the municipality.

Whereas, The Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to conduct a study on how to allow nonresidents of a municipality who own property within rural fire protection districts to opt out of fire protection coverage by a municipality while remaining financially responsible for services actually rendered to such property; and

Whereas, In conducting this study, the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is requested to review the following measures: capping the amount of fire protection fees which may be imposed; providing for a referendum on the issue of fire service; and the appropriate petition requirements for triggering a referendum; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study a mechanism to allow persons with property within rural fire protection districts to opt out of fire protection coverage by a municipality for a specified property while remaining financially responsible for services actually rendered to such property; and, be it

Further Resolved, That The Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2017, 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.