Bill Text: VA SJR315 | 2011 | Regular Session | Engrossed

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Bill Title: E-ZPass Program; subcommittee to study policies & procedures of other states participating therein.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2011-02-21 - House: Left in Rules [SJR315 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2011-SJR315-Engrossed.html

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11101944D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 315 Senate Amendments in [ ] -- February 1, 2011 Establishing a joint subcommittee to study the policies and procedures of other states participating in the E-ZPass program. Report. ---------- Patron Prior to Engrossment--Senator Blevins ---------- Referred to Committee on Rules ----------

WHEREAS, E-ZPass is an automatic, electronic toll collection system that quickly and efficiently moves traffic through toll facilities in Virginia; and

WHEREAS, in addition to Virginia, current E-ZPass states include: Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia; and

WHEREAS, E-ZPass is a toll collection technology that makes traveling more convenient, helps save money for drivers through discount plans offered by some toll facilities, and helps reduce traffic congestion and auto emissions; and

WHEREAS, E-ZPass helps reduce fuel consumption; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That a joint subcommittee be established to study the policies and procedures of other states participating in the E-ZPass program. The joint subcommittee shall consist of  [ 10 six  ]  legislative members appointed as follows:  [ four two  ]  members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules and  [ six four  ]  members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates in accordance with the principles of proportional representation contained in the Rules of the House of Delegates. The joint subcommittee shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership.

In conducting its study, the joint subcommittee shall:

1. Look at the policies and procedures of other states participating in the program in order to develop a more accessible and customer service oriented program in Virginia, with attention to states such as Delaware and New Jersey where service centers are in AAA and local equivalent Department of Motor Vehicles offices.

2. Examine the feasibility of setting up additional locations for purchase of an E-ZPass and additional service centers.

Administrative staff support shall be provided by the Office of the Clerk of the Senate. Legal, research, policy analysis, and other services as requested by the joint subcommittee shall be provided by the Division of Legislative Services. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the joint subcommittee for this study, upon request.

The joint subcommittee shall be limited to four meetings for the 2011 interim, and the direct costs of this study shall not exceed  [ $ 10,000 $11,280  ]  without approval as set out in this resolution. Approval for unbudgeted nonmember-related expenses shall require the written authorization of the chairman of the joint subcommittee and the respective Clerk. If a companion joint resolution of the other chamber is agreed to, written authorization of both Clerks shall be required.

No recommendation of the joint subcommittee shall be adopted if a majority of the Senate members or a majority of the House members appointed to the joint subcommittee (i) vote against the recommendation and (ii) vote for the recommendation to fail notwithstanding the majority vote of the joint subcommittee.

The joint subcommittee shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2011, and the chairman shall submit to the Division of Legislative Automated Systems an executive summary of its findings and recommendations no later than the first day of the 2012 Regular Session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall state whether the joint subcommittee intends to submit to the General Assembly and the Governor a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may approve or disapprove expenditures for this study, extend or delay the period for the conduct of the study, or authorize additional meetings during the 2011 interim.