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1996 SESSION

963167825
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 114
Offered January 22, 1996
Establishing a joint subcommittee to study the solicitation of charitable contributions by organizations claiming affiliation with law enforcement entities.
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Patrons-- Woodrum and Almand; Senator: Howell
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, the citizenry of the Commonwealth support local law enforcement entities, including police, sheriffs, and deputy sheriffs; and

WHEREAS, Virginians are quick to heed the call when made aware of the needs of their local police department or sheriff's office; and

WHEREAS, the generosity of Virginians should be rewarded with the assurance that their contributions will be used for the purposes stated during the solicitation and that the funds will support the law enforcement entity for which the funds are requested; and

WHEREAS, an increasing number of groups are soliciting contributions stating that the proceeds of their fundraising will be used to benefit local law enforcement, but operate without the knowledge or endorsement of local law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, the fundraising organizations sometimes appear to be affiliated with trade associations and are thus not required to register with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs; and

WHEREAS, because the organizations are not required to register with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, there is no ready source of information available to the citizenry about these fundraising activities or about the purposes to which such contributions are put; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That a joint subcommittee be established to study the solicitation of charitable contributions by groups claiming affiliation with local law enforcement. The study shall include, but not be limited to, the tactics used to solicit contributions, the use of the funds, and the feasibility of requiring registration with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and endorsement by local sheriffs and police departments.

The joint subcommittee shall be composed of seven members to be appointed as follows: three members of the House of Delegates, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House; two members of the Senate, to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; a representative of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to be appointed by the Governor; and a representative of local law enforcement, to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections.

The direct costs of the study shall not exceed $4,250.

The Virginia State Crime Commission 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 complete its work in time to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1997 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.