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1999 SESSION

992231254
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 676
Offered January 21, 1999
Creating a joint subcommittee to study courtroom security in domestic relations cases.
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Patrons-- Griffith, Cranwell, Kilgore, Thomas and Woodrum
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, the incidence of domestic violence is rising in many communities around the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, a great percentage of the murders in our cities are the result of domestic altercations; and

WHEREAS, often times, these situations work their way into the courts, not only as the result of criminal charges, but in cases in the domestic relations courts where parties are divorcing, determining custody, support or visitation of children; and

WHEREAS, rarely are emotions or tempers higher than when parties are arguing about how they are going to live, with whom, and who is going to pay for what; and

WHEREAS, our judges, bailiffs and other court personnel deserve protection during these highly charged situations during which parties can become angry and abusive, and in some cases, very dangerous; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That a joint subcommittee be established to study courtroom security in domestic relations cases. The joint subcommittee shall be comprised of seven members including four members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker, and three members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections.

The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $ 5,250.

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 complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2000 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.