SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 65

(By Senator Snyder)

[Originating in the Committee on Government Organization]

Requesting a study on the creation of a Fiscal and Policy Division under the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.

    Whereas, The Legislature, in order to function as a coequal branch of government, seeks to emphasize the need to obtain accurate information regarding the fiscal impact and policy implications of proposed legislation; and

    Whereas, In order to obtain fiscal information on proposed legislation, the legislature is, at present, dependent upon executive branch agencies and affected interest groups; and

    Whereas, Establishing a Fiscal and Policy Division under the Joint Committee on Government and Finance would assist legislators in obtaining an unbiased and comprehensive fiscal note on proposed legislation; and

    Whereas, A Fiscal and Policy Division under the legislative branch of government would advance taxpayer confidence in the operations of state government; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the creation of a Fiscal and Policy Division under the Joint Committee on Government and Finance; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is requested to study the fiscal impact of the establishment of a Fiscal and Policy Division under the legislative branch of West Virginia; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2012, 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 and to prepare and draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on

Government and Finance.