HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 70
(By Delegates Morgan, Martin, Argento, Beach, Cann, Caputo,
Eldridge, Hartman, Hatfield, Hutchins, Michael, Palumbo, D.
Poling, Staggers, Swartzmiller, Talbott, Williams, Andes,
Canterbury, Cowles, C. Miller, Porter, Rowan and Schoen)
[Originating in the Committee on Government Organization;
March 5, 2007.]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study
the necessity for additional public defender corporations for
the delivery of indigent defense services.
Whereas, The Legislature has long recognized that providing
public defender services is a constitutional mandate for the
representation of criminal defendants and for the protection of due
process in a just society; and
Whereas, Counties with limited resources to provide public
defender services may need additional support in providing these
essential services; and
Whereas, While Public Defender Corporations may be created as
provided for in current law, there may be a need for enhanced or
alternative methods of providing these services;
therefore be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study
the need for additional public defender
corporations with respect to the delivery of indigent defense
services generally
; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Public Defender Services, the Prosecuting Attorneys Institute, the Department of Administration,
the Supreme Court of Appeals and the Governor's Office, cooperate
in the study of the need for additional public defender
corporations with respect to the delivery of indigent defense
services generally
; and, be it
Further Resolved,
That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2008, 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.