HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 94

(By Delegates Caputo (By Request) Swartzmiller, Longstreth

                        and Manchin)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance, together with a representative group of child psychologists from West Virginia’s public institutions of higher education, study whether the age of 14 is the appropriate age for a child to have the right to nominate a guardian.

    Whereas, A child of 14 is often unaware of his or her needs and, therefore, unable to make a choice of guardian in his or her own best interests; and

    Whereas, It is possible, if not likely, that the emotional, psychological and social development of a child 14 years of age may result in a decision that is not in their best interests; and

    Whereas, The State of West Virginia has a long history of legislation that promotes the best interests of the child; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the House of Delegates of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance, together with a representative group of child psychologists from West Virginia’s public institutions of higher education, study whether the age of 14 is the appropriate age for a child to have the right to nominate a guardian; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2014, 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 legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.