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1995 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 296
Creating a joint subcommittee to conduct a comprehensive study and analysis of Virginia's criminal drug statutes.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 23, 1995
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 22, 1995

WHEREAS, the criminal laws and procedures found in Titles 18.2 and 19.2 of the Code of Virginia were last comprehensively studied and revised 20 years ago; and

WHEREAS, during that time society as a whole and criminal justice philosophy in particular have undergone significant change; and

WHEREAS, prompt investigation and efficient prosecution are of critical importance in dealing with the ever-expanding drug problem in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the inability of our statutes to keep pace with changing societal norms, with changes in the "drug culture," with available technological advances, including efficient record keeping systems, and to facilitate investigations and prosecutions is beginning to seriously compromise law enforcement efforts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That a joint subcommittee be created to conduct a comprehensive study and analysis of Virginia's criminal drug statutes. The joint subcommittee shall review the laws of the Commonwealth affecting the investigation and prosecution of drug cases and make recommendations to facilitate law enforcement efforts in the war on drugs.

The joint subcommittee shall consist of ten members as follows: three members of the Senate appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; four members of the House of Delegates appointed by the Speaker of the House; and the Attorney General, the Secretary of Public Safety, and the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court or their designees, who shall serve as ex officios. The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the study. The Virginia State Crime Commisson, the Department of Criminal Justice Services, the Department of State Police, the Commonwealth's Attorneys' Services Council, the Public Defender Commission and the Virginia Circuit Court Clerks Association are requested to provide such input and assistance as the subcommittee may require. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the joint subcommittee; upon request.

The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $10,500.

The joint subcommittee shall complete its work in time to submit its 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 the processing of 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.