SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 76

(By Senators Barnes and Klempa)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study state governmental continuity in case of a disruption in federal government operations.

    Whereas, West Virginia is without a crisis management plan in the event of an extreme nationwide political or economic crisis; and

    Whereas, The potential unraveling of the United States government and economy may seem remote at this time, however, with the national debt exceeding $15 trillion and protest movements growing across the country, West Virginia needs to insure that its residents are protected should any unexpected emergency hit the United States; and

    Whereas, West Virginia needs to be prepared for potential catastrophes, from disruptions in food supply and energy supplies to a potential loss of assistance from the federal government; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Legislature hereby requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study state governmental continuity in case of a disruption in federal government operations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study potential impacts on the state and the people of West Virginia in the event of a potential disruption of the United States government including, but not limited to, the following:

    (1) Potential effects of the rapid decline of the U. S. dollar;

    (2) Potential effects of the federal government having no effective power or authority over the population of the United States;

    (3) Potential effects of a constitutional crisis;

    (4) Potential effects of a disruption in food distribution; and

    (5) Potential effects of a disruption in energy distribution; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study preparation which may be required of the State of West Virginia in the event of a disruption of the United States government including, but not limited to, the following:

    (1) Coordination between the Governor’s Office, the West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety and the West Virginia National Guard;

    (2) The ability to quickly provide a means of trade;

    (3) The implementation of protective measures and raising of a standing army; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2013, 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.