SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2000 SESSION

008372552
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 3
Offered January 12, 2000
Prefiled December 17, 1999
Continuing the Joint Subcommittee Studying Economic Incentives to Promote the Growth and Competitiveness of Virginia's Shipbuilding Industry.
----------
Patrons-- Walker and Forbes; Delegate: Diamonstein
----------
Referred to Committee on Rules
----------

WHEREAS, Senate Joint Resolution 171 (1998) established the Joint Subcommittee Studying Economic Incentives to Promote the Growth and Competitiveness of Virginia's Shipbuilding Industry; and

WHEREAS, the Joint Subcommittee was directed to examine, among other things, whether, and at what level, tax benefits or other economic incentives would be an effective tool in ensuring the continued health of Virginia's maritime industries; and

WHEREAS, the Joint Subcommittee in its first year examined information on a wide variety of topics including the economic condition of Virginia's shipbuilding and ship repair firms, and reasons for the declining levels of employment in the industry; and

WHEREAS, Senate Joint Resolution No. 436 (1999) continued the Joint Subcommittee for a second year; and

WHEREAS, the Joint Subcommittee in its second year recommended legislation providing for investment performance grants to certain eligible ship repair companies; and

WHEREAS, due to the continuing complexity of the issues and time constraints, the Joint Subcommittee has not been able to complete its study of all issues it was authorized to study under Senate Joint Resolution No. 171 (1998) and Senate Joint Resolution No. 436 (1999) and all possible strategies to allow the industry to overcome the market conditions and governmental procurement policies which are responsible for much of the industry's problems; and

WHEREAS, the continuing study by the Joint Subcommittee is vital to gain a complete understanding of what must be accomplished to ensure that Virginia and its shipbuilding and ship repair businesses maintain their position as a leader in shipbuilding and related industries; and

WHEREAS, the members agree that the Joint Subcommittee should be continued for two more years; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Joint Subcommittee Studying Economic Incentives to Promote the Growth and Competitiveness of Virginia's Shipbuilding Industry be continued. In its third and fourth years, the Joint Subcommittee shall continue to examine, in addition to such other issues as it deems advisable, (i) state regulation of tributyltin (TBT), (ii) dual state and federal jurisdiction over workers' compensation for shipyard workers, (iii) establishing a state commission to promote and provide marketing assistance to the industry, (iv) the Commonwealth's tax structure and its impact on the shipyard industry, and (v) incentive grants for capital investments by shipyards.

The members duly appointed pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 171 (1998) shall continue to serve; however, any vacancies shall be filled as provided in the enabling resolution.

The Division of Legislative Services shall continue to provide staff support for the study. All other agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Joint Subcommittee, upon request.

The Joint Subcommittee shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2001 and 2002 Sessions of the General Assembly, as the case may be, as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.

The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $7,000.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may withhold expenditures or delay the period for the conduct of the study.