SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

1995 SESSION

LD1161468
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 430
Offered January 13, 1995
Continuing the Joint Subcommittee Studying Educational Museums and the Appropriate Level of Public Support to be Provided to Such Institutions.
----------

Patrons--Thomas, Cranwell, Deeds, Heilig, Moss, Van Landingham, Van Yahres and Woodrum; Senators: Bell, Colgan, Holland, C.A., Schewel and Walker
----------
Referred to Committee on Rules
----------

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth's museums, whether established by government or private entities, enhance educational opportunities for all Virginians, promote community growth and economic development, and enrich the overall quality of life for citizens throughout Virginia; and

WHEREAS, acknowledging the significant value of museums as educational as well as cultural institutions, the General Assembly established a nine-member joint study committee to examine Virginia's educational museums and the appropriate level of public funding for these institutions pursuant to HJR 453 (1993) and authorized the continuation of the study in 1994 (HJR 75); and

WHEREAS, having examined the missions and services of nonstate museums across the Commonwealth, the committee has found while the diverse collections of these nonstate institutions may include historic artifacts, artistic treasures, or wildlife, the missions of these institutions are linked by an unfailing commitment to education, economic development, and community service; and

WHEREAS, during the two years of its study, the committee has also explored potential criteria for eligibility for receipt of public funds as well as guidelines for state appropriations for nonstate institutions; and

WHEREAS, the joint subcommittee has determined that continued access to and excellence in the arts and education are contingent upon the availability of adequate and stable funding for nonstate educational and cultural museums; and

WHEREAS, the committee supports the development of a system of consistent, equitable funding for those nonstate educational museums demonstrating a commitment to the continuation and fulfillment of their missions of service, education, and development, and finds that further study is needed to implement an effective funding mechanism for these institutions that will carefully balance financial need and consistency with fiscal responsibility, fairness, and flexibility; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Joint Subcommittee Studying Educational Museums and the Appropriate Level of Public Support to be Provided to Such Institutions be continued to monitor the implementation of its recommendations and to develop additional recommendations regarding funding mechanisms for nonstate educational and cultural entities and other related issues as it deems appropriate.

The current membership of the joint subcommittee shall continue to serve as appointed pursuant to HJR 453 (1993); any vacancies shall be filled in the manner consistent with the original resolution.

The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $ 4,200.

The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the study. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the joint subcommittee, upon request.

The joint subcommittee shall submit any additional findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1996 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for processing legislative documents.

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.