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Study Resolutions

P Passed

P HJ14

Study; compilation of credit card information. Requests the SCC's Bureau of Financial Institutions to compile and provide access to information regarding the fees and charges assessed by revolving credit card issuers doing business within the Commonwealth and to report on its progress in this endeavor. The Bureau is to make the fee and charges information available on the SCC's web site. Iowa, Minnesota, and New York currently prepare and distribute periodic compilations of the rates, fees, and other terms of credit card agreements offered by lending institutions in those states.

Patron - Morgan

P HJ34

Study; Disability Commission. Continues the Disability Commission for a four-year period in order to continue to provide evaluation and legislative recommendations to enhance the provision of services to those Virginians who have physical and sensory disabilities. Staffing would continue to be provided by the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, with additional staffing support. A budget amendment has been prepared for the staffing needs. The Lieutenant Governor would continue to serve as the chair and provide legislative coordination for the Commission's efforts. Membership has been reconstructed to meet current requirements.

Patron - Landes

P HJ35

Biotechnology venture capital study. Requests the Innovative Technology Authority, in consultation with the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park Authority, to study the feasibility of establishing a state-sponsored venture capital program tailored for biotechnology and report the findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2001 General Assembly. The Authorities are also requested to consider all regions of the Commonwealth where existing or newly formed biotechnology centers of research and industry are located. State-supported research universities, medical colleges, and public-private initiatives, such as the Carilion Biomedical Institute, must be consulted and involved in the study. This resolution is a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science.

Patron - Bennett

P HJ45

Study; Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. Requests the Division of Neurological Surgery at the Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University to conduct an epidemiologic survey of the elderly population in Virginia extended care facilities in order to identify the number of patients with suspected Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) who could benefit from medical therapy.

Patron - Hargrove

P HJ47

Study; workplace violence in Virginia. Requests the Department of Labor and Industry to study the causes and methods of reduction of workplace violence in Virginia.

Patron - Johnson

P HJ64

Study; Richmond toll facilities. Directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study the operation of toll facilities by the Richmond Metropolitan Authority and the retirement of debt to allow the toll free operation of the Downtown Expressway, the Powhite Parkway, and the Powhite Extension. In conducting its study, the Commission shall, in addition to such other actions or activities as may appear necessary or desirable, consider (i) the amount of debt issued in connection with the construction and maintenance of the toll facilities, (ii) the use of its toll-generated revenues, (iii) existing relationships between RMA and VDOT, including the retirement of the debt associated with the Powhite Extension, (iv) policies and procedures adopted and used to ensure prudent fiscal management, integrity of funds, and responsible stewardship of the public trust, and (v) methods, resources, and a schedule appropriate for such retirement of debt as to allow the toll-free operation of the toll facilities. HJR 69 was incorporated into this resolution.

Patron - Nixon

P HJ125

Study; Hampton Roads Third Crossing Bridge-Tunnel Commission. Establishes a 16-member commission to expedite construction of a third crossing of Hampton Roads. The Department of Transportation is requested to provide to the Commission, at least every six months, a report concerning the status of the Hampton Roads Third Crossing Bridge-Tunnel project including, but not limited to, the process and progress of the environmental studies, preliminary engineering, and any other analyses of the Hampton Roads Third Crossing Bridge-Tunnel project as part of any process required by the Environmental Protection Act or other applicable provisions of state and federal law, including the Code of Federal Regulation.

Patron - Wagner

P HJ126

Study; domestic relations division of circuit court. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the feasibility of establishing a domestic relations division in each judicial circuit, which would have jurisdiction over divorce cases and custody, visitation, and support actions incident to the filing of a divorce. The joint subcommittee is also requested to determine the efficacy of making the juvenile and domestic relations district court a court of record for domestic cases.

Patron - Joannou

P HJ129

Study; Rural Virginia Prosperity Commission. Establishes the Rural Prosperity Commission to study and recommend what policies and strategies can be instituted to foster economic development in Virginia's rural areas and to help rebuild Virginia's rural areas. Identical to SJR 140.

Patron - Clement

P HJ149

Study; Roanoke River Basin. Requests the State Water Commission to study the desirability and feasibility of establishing an intergovernmental structure to facilitate the planning and coordination of water resources in the Roanoke River Basin.

Patron - Bennett

P HJ154

Study; Virginia-Maryland-District of Columbia Joint Legislative Commission on Interstate Transportation. Creates a legislative commission to provide a forum in which Virginia and Maryland legislators and representatives from the District of Columbia can identify opportunities for and barriers to improved transportation links between the two states and the District of Columbia, including but not necessarily limited to new or expanded bridge crossings and transit services.

Patron - Callahan

P HJ157

Study; scrap recycling. Continues the joint subcommittee established to examine the impact of incentives to attract new businesses on existing businesses in the Commonwealth, particularly scrap recyclers for two years in order for the consultants to complete their work by the end of 2001.

Patron - Wagner

P HJ158

Study; impact of Virginia's sales and use tax on federal government contractors. Requests the Commission Studying Virginia's State and Local Tax Structure for the 21st Century to study the impact Virginia's sales and use tax, and more particularly the "true object" test, has on federal government contractors. Identical to SJR 150.

Patron - Parrish

P HJ159

Study; teacher shortage. Directs the Commission on Educational Accountability, in cooperation with the Board of Education, the State Council of Higher Education, the Senate Committee on Finance, and the House Committee on Appropriations, to study the demand for and preparation of classroom teachers. In its deliberations, the Commission, together with the participating state agencies, shall project the number of classroom teachers needed in Virginia over the next 10 years; review the teacher education process; assess recruitment and retention efforts; evaluate procedures for awarding continuing contracts, including how Virginia may retain the most capable teachers and replace teachers who do not meet the qualifications, standards, and expectations set for teachers; consider the issues associated with compensation of teachers; determine the adequacy of pre-service and in-service professional development of teachers; and recommend ways to attract and retain an adequate supply of teachers in Virginia. Identical to SJR 248.

Patron - Councill

P HJ161

Study; groundwater. Directs the State Water Commission to study karst groundwater monitoring and protection in the Shenandoah Valley.

Patron - Landes

P HJ162

Study; national agenda for the visually impaired. Requests the Department of Education and the Department for the Visually Handicapped to study the impact of adopting the National Agenda for the Education of Children and Youths with Visual Impairment, Including Those with Multiple Disabilities in the Commonwealth, which provides goals and strategies for serving visually impaired children.

Patron - Landes

P HJ178

Study; indigent defense. Directs the Virginia State Crime Commission to study existing methods for providing indigent defense in the Commonwealth.

Patron - Drake

P HJ187

Study; State Corporation Commission. Establishing a joint subcommittee to study the regulatory responsibilities, policies, and activities of the State Corporation Commission. The joint subcommittee shall study the impact of such policies and activities on the lives of the citizens of the Commonwealth. Identical to SJR 173.

Patron - Cantor

P HJ200

Study; child day care services for low-income families. Requests the Department of Social Services, or, under certain conditions, the Commission on Early Childhood and Child Day Care Programs to study the funding of child day care for low-income families. If funds are not appropriated in the budget for assistance for child day care to low-income families, the study is shifted from the Department to the Commission. The study shall include an analysis of child day care needs of former Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients and low-income families and recommendations to ensure that low-income families have the child day care services that they need to become and remain economically independent.

Patron - Melvin

P HJ202

Study; continuing the Commission on Access and Diversity. Continues the Commission on Access and Diversity in Higher Education in Virginia to, among other things, (i) provide legislative representation during the OCR civil rights review of the Commonwealth, relative to the U. S. Supreme Court decision in Fordice; (ii) continue its consultation and collaboration with the U. S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, receive and respond to the findings and recommendations of the U. S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights; (iii) examine the legal obligations, if any, imposed on the Commonwealth by recent federal court decisions regarding the desegregation of public colleges and universities; (iv) evaluate the status of the Virginia Plan for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education; (v) recommend specific immediate and long-term initiatives to ensure equal educational opportunities for all Virginians, and to increase the number of African-American and other minority students, faculty, and administrators at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and in the professional schools; (vi) monitor the Congress, federal agencies, and federal and state courts relative to litigation, court decisions, and administrative action pertaining to equal educational opportunity and affirmative action; (vii) address the shortage of teachers, particularly minority teachers and faculty; (viii) develop the Blueprint to Close the Academic Achievement Gap between Disadvantaged and Historically Underrepresented and White Students; and (ix) continue its dialogue and work with the Southern Education Foundation and other national associations concerning, but not limited to, teacher recruitment, access to higher education, high stakes testing, and the Blueprint. This resolution is a recommendation of the Commission on Access and Diversity in Higher Education.

Patron - Jones, J.C.

P HJ212

Study; evaluation of incumbent judges. Requests the Judicial Council of the Supreme Court of Virginia to recommend evaluation criteria for the judiciary.

Patron - McDonnell

P HJ213

Study; campaign finance reform. Establishes a joint legislative subcommittee to examine the costs of campaigning in Virginia, the effectiveness of the Commonwealth's present disclosure laws and their enforcement, the constitutional options available to regulate campaign finances, and possible revisions in Virginia's laws to promote the integrity of, and public confidence in, Virginia's campaign laws. Identical to SJR 80.

Patron - Wagner

P HJ223

Study; Educational infrastructure and technology. Continues the Commission on Educational Infrastructure as the Commission on Educational Infrastructure and Technology. The resolution notes some of the history of the Commission and that, over the last several years, the Commission has implemented study plans to collect data and background information on Virginia construction and educational technology programs and the programs implemented in other states. Further, the Commission has received presentations on North Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia, conducted a review of construction issues in other states in the Southern region, examined higher education methodology for determining space utilization, received data on the Commonwealth's student demographics and the effects of facility needs, and initiated its own survey of facilities needs in Virginia. The Commission's focus in 1999 was on the school of the new millennium, what it will look like and how technology will impact building design and curricula, school operations, teaching, student achievement, and student discipline. In the course of this examination, the Commission has heard presentations on several innovative, high-tech public school programs and has reaffirmed its conviction that school construction and educational technology are inextricably linked. Identical to SJR 237.

Patron - Diamonstein

P HJ228

Study; services available for children with autism and pervasive developmental disorders. Requests the Departments of Education, Health, and Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services to study the services available for children with autism and pervasive developmental disorders. This resolution explains that several different types and levels of autism are recognized, including autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, Asperger's disorder, Rett's disorder, and childhood disintegrative disorder. These disorders are complex conditions that are still the subject of debate regarding the proper diagnostic techniques, the actual diagnoses, and the best approaches to treatment and education. The Departments are directed to examine the characteristics, number, and location of children with autism and pervasive developmental disorders in Virginia; the availability of teachers and other special education and treatment professionals; the level of expertise found in the various areas of Virginia; and the adequacy of the available services for children with autism and pervasive developmental disorders. The Departments must also evaluate the various treatment and education approaches and make recommendations concerning the efficacy of these approaches and ways to increase services to the children and their parents.

Patron - Thomas

P HJ231

Study; Overrepresentation of African-American Students in Special Education Programs. Continues the Joint Subcommittee Studying the Overrepresentation of African-American Students in Special Education Programs. The joint subcommittee shall (i) monitor the development and implementation of the State Improvement Plan for Special Education; (ii) monitor recent changes in federal and state laws and regulations governing special education, particularly the collection and reporting requirements concerning minority students; (iii) continue to review the process of identifying students for special education; (iv) evaluate the training and recommend ways to address the shortage of special education teachers, and other professionals typically involved in developing IEP plans for students; (v) determine the demographic composition of students identified for special education in Virginia public schools, for grades K-12, by gender, race, age, disability, grade level, if applicable, and school division; (vi) review the criteria for determining whether a student is learning disabled, educable mentally retarded, or emotionally disturbed; (vii) assess the impact of poverty, language, and culture on the identification of minority students for special education; (viii) complete objectives under HJR 707 (1999); (ix) determine the number and reasons for the reversal of special education placements; and (x) consider such other related issues as the joint subcommittee may deem appropriate. During the course of its study, the joint subcommittee shall request the Department of Education to provide a comprehensive briefing concerning the State Improvement Plan for Special Education, and to collect, analyze, and report to the joint subcommittee certain data and information noted in HJR 232, the State Improvement Plan for Special Education, and new reporting procedures required by federal law. This resolution incorporates HJR 232.

Patron - McEachin

P HJ239

Study; commercial promotional activities in high schools. Establishes the Joint Subcommittee to Study Commercial Promotional Activities in High Schools. This resolution notes the growth and emphases on athletics in secondary schools, including middle schools, and the pressure on public school athletes to perform well. The difficult situations that have occurred in some other states are acknowledged, and the hope that Virginia will avoid these situations is expressed. The 14-member joint subcommittee is directed to examine the legal and ethical issues related to athletic apparel companies and other companies providing gifts to schools and individuals as a quid pro quo for some advertising benefit, such as displaying the logo on school property or having a team or teams wear the company's apparel. The joint subcommittee must also study disclosure issues, player eligibility issues, parental rights issues, school finance considerations, contract issues, and the benefits and drawbacks of advertising displays.

Patron - Tata

P HJ247

Study; Condition and Future of Virginia's Cities. Continues the Commission on the Condition and Future of Virginia's Cities for the purpose of receiving the report from the Commission to Study Virginia's State and Local Tax Structure for the 21st Century. This is a recommendation of the Commission on the Condition and Future of Virginia's Cities.

Patron - Moss

P HJ249

Study; Unemployment compensation funding requirements. Continues the Joint Subcommittee Studying the Funding Requirements of the Virginia Unemployment Trust Fund. The joint subcommittee is requested to provide continued legislative oversight of the Unemployment Trust Fund to ensure its continuing adequacy to meet current and projected benefit payments.

Patron - Rust

P HJ253

Study; Housing Study Commission. Directs the Virginia Housing Study Commission, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and certain other agencies shall conduct the following: (i) the continuing study, as provided in HJR 253 as introduced, of whether changes relating to protection from carbon monoxide poisoning and life safety matters relating to chimneys, fireplaces, vents, and solid fuel burning appliances should be made to the Uniform Statewide Building Code to reflect more closely current provisions of the National Fire Protection Association Code; (ii) the study, with assistance from the Virginia Housing Development Authority, of strategies for increasing home ownership opportunities among minorities and new citizens of the United States, as provided in HJR 254; (iii) the study of provisions of the Condominium Act relating to the adequacy of reserve funds established for the maintenance of common areas, pursuant to HJR 224; (iv) the study of affordable housing and community revitalization opportunities in the Commonwealth, utilizing historic preservation strategies, as provided in HJR 255; (v) the study of the need for and recommendations to foster the improvement of organizational infrastructure, outreach efforts, technical assistance, and construction services for indoor plumbing installation in the homes of rural Virginians living without indoor plumbing, pursuant to HJR 256; (vi) the study, with assistance from the Virginia Interagency Action Council for the Homeless, of the number and needs of homeless persons in rural areas of the Commonwealth and recommendations to foster the self-sufficiency and the participation in the current economic expansion, pursuant to HJR 257; and (vii) the study of the Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) for the purpose of clarifying existing law and examining the provisions of the USBC affecting building standards and design in order to determine whether revisions to the Uniform Statewide Building Code may be necessary, pursuant to HJR 236.

Patron - Diamonstein

P HJ282

Study; ABC licenses. Establishes a joint subcommittee to examine the current definitions related to on-premises alcoholic beverage licenses.

Patron - Griffith

P HJ285

Study; public-private partnerships for museums. Creates a 10-member commission to study the feasibility and appropriateness of creating public-private partnerships for the operation of museums and other educational and cultural entities in the Commonwealth. In conducting its study, the commission is to examine, among other things, public-private partnerships in other states; the feasibility and appropriateness of implementing any such partnerships in the Commonwealth on a pilot project basis; current state and nonstate museum funding and operational practices; and such other issues as it deems appropriate.

Patron - Armstrong

P HJ291

Study; faith-based community service groups. Continues the Special Task Force to Study Ways Faith-Based Community Service Groups May Provide Assistance to Meet Social Needs.

Patron - McDonnell

P HJ297

Study; Lead Poisoning Prevention. Continues the Joint Subcommittee Studying Lead Poisoning Prevention. The Joint Subcommittee proposes to (i) work with the real estate and other industries to ensure the establishment of equitable standards for lead risk reduction in order to protect the children and the business community of the Commonwealth; (ii) receive reports and data on the implementation of its initiatives to ensure testing of persons at-risk of lead poisoning, particularly children; (iii) reach agreement on the most appropriate ways to resolve the concerns of real estate professionals and home owners concerning liability for lead risks; (iv) provide a forum for the real estate professionals, the housing industry, and the parents of young children who suffer from lead poisoning in order to reach the goal of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to eliminate lead poisoning by 2010; and (v) examine such other issues as may be appropriate in reducing the impact of lead poisoning. The Joint Subcommittee will be limited to holding two meetings during the interim.

Patron - Crittenden

P HJ302

Study; task force on assessments for students in special education and to continue the work of the Joint Subcommittee on Remediation. Creates an eight-member special task force composed of members of the Commission on Educational Accountability to examine the need for appropriate alternative forms of Standards of Learning assessments for students receiving special education and related services and to continue the work of the Joint Subcommittee on Remediation. The special task force is to consider, among other things, current state-of-the-art testing and assessment of students receiving special education and related services; the development of appropriate forms of Standards of Learning assessments that will provide students receiving special education and related services with a range of modifications and accommodations to meet their educational needs; and such other issues as it deems appropriate. However, notwithstanding the provisions of SJR 498 (1999), citizen members and members of the House of Delegates appointed by the Speaker to the Commission on Educational Accountability, pursuant to SJR 498 (1999), shall be subject to reappointment or replacement by the Speaker of the House. Members of the House of Delegates shall be appointed in accordance with the principles of Rule 16 of the Rules of the House of Delegates. With regard to the continuation of the work of the Joint Subcommittee on Remediation, the Commission shall become familiar with the issues and policies regarding the joint subcommittee's work and its subsequent findings and recommendations throughout the course of its study so that efforts are not duplicated, and complete the objectives in the joint subcommittee's work plan for 2000. The special task force shall regularly apprise the Commission on Educational Accountability regarding its deliberations, findings, and recommendations on a schedule to be determined by the Commission. This resolution incorporates HJR 273.

Patron - O'Brien

P SJ37

Study; exercise of eminent domain. Continues the joint subcommittee studying the current means and adequacy of compensation to Virginia citizens whose properties are taken through the exercise of eminent domain. The joint subcommittee was established by SJR 271 and HJR 491 (1999).

Patron - Watkins

P SJ39

Joint Commission on Management of the Commonwealth's Workforce. Continues the Joint Commission on Management of the Commonwealth's Workforce to evaluate and monitor the Commonwealth's compensation, personnel, and management policies and procedures.

Patron - Holland

P SJ55

Study; shifting truck-borne freight to trains. Requests the Secretary of Transportation to expand the scope of her study on the desirability and feasibility of establishing additional intermodal transfer facilities, pursuant to House Joint Resolution 704 (1999), to include the potential for shifting Virginia's highway traffic to railroads.

Patron - Edwards

P SJ72

Study; electronic contracting and electronic procurement. Directs the Auditor of Public Accounts, in consultation with the Virginia Department of General Services, to study whether audits of public accounts can be satisfactorily conducted with electronic contracting and electronic procurement processes. In conducting the study, the Auditor of Public Accounts shall determine whether audits of public accounts, as required by the laws of the Commonwealth, can be satisfactorily conducted using electronic procurements, contracts, and transactions in lieu of paper-based procurements, contracts, and transactions, and identify any statutory or regulatory barriers or obstacles which may prevent the implementation of electronic contracting and electronic procurement processes that are envisioned for the Commonwealth. This resolution is a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science.

Patron - Ticer

P SJ75

Study; Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the status and implementation of the Virginia Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act.

Patron - Bolling

P SJ76

Study; Future of Virginia's Environment. Continues the Commission on the Future of Virginia's Environment for a fifth year. The Commission is to continue to monitor the implementation of its recommendations and create opportunities for the members of the Commission to become educated on environmental issues that may require legislative action.

Patron - Bolling

P SJ78

Study; Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. Requests the Division of Neurological Surgery at the Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University to conduct an epidemiologic survey of the elderly population in Virginia extended care facilities in order to identify the number of patients with suspected Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) who could benefit from medical therapy. Identical to HJR 45.

Patron - Martin

P SJ79

Study; submerged aquatic vegetation. Directs the Virginia delegation to the Chesapeake Bay Commission to continue its study of ways to protect submerged aquatic vegetation.

Patron - Bolling

P SJ80

Study; campaign finance reform. Establishes a joint legislative subcommittee to examine the costs of campaigning in Virginia, the effectiveness of the Commonwealth's present disclosure laws and their enforcement, the constitutional options available to regulate campaign finances, and possible revisions in Virginia's laws to promote the integrity of, and public confidence in, Virginia's campaign laws. Identical to HJR 213.

Patron - Colgan

P SJ121

Study; Northern Virginia Regional Transportation Authority. Creates a joint subcommittee to study the creation of a Northern Virginia Regional Transportation Authority. In conducting the study, the joint subcommittee shall determine the purpose, needs, benefits, authority, composition, responsibility, and funding of a Northern Virginia Regional Transportation Authority. Further, the joint subcommittee shall determine whether the powers and duties of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority should include: (i) identifying transportation needs and possible solutions; (ii) determining the efficacy of privatizating such solutions; (iii) accepting, raising, and the disbursement of funds; (iv) the authority to sell bonds, and to buy, sell, hold, lease, and condemn property; and (v) designing, constructing, and maintaining transportation infrastructure or the ability to cause the design, construction, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure.

Patron - Barry

P SJ124

Study; law enforcement efforts. Directs the Virginia State Crime Commission to continue its study of law enforcement efforts, generally, until 2002.

Patron - Stolle

P SJ127

Study; personal property tax relief funding by the Commonwealth. Directs the Auditor of Public Accounts to examine the extent to which tax relief granted under the Personal Property Tax Relief Act of 1998 is accruing to or being received by businesses ineligible for such tax relief under the provisions of the Act.

Patron - Watkins

P SJ134

Study; farmland protection. Establishes a task force to develop a comprehensive farmland protection policy for the Commonwealth. This is a recommendation of the Commission on the Future of Virginia's Environment.

Patron - Hanger

P SJ140

Study; Rural Virginia Prosperity. Establishes the Rural Virginia Prosperity Commission. The Commission shall study and recommend what policies and strategies can be instituted to foster economic development in Virginia's rural areas and to help rebuild Virginia's rural areas. Identical to HJR 129.

Patron - Hawkins

P SJ150

Study; sales and use tax on federal government contractors. Directs the Commission to Study Virginia's State and Local Tax Structure for the 21st Century to study the impact of the Virginia sales and use tax, and more particularly the true object test, on federal government contractors. Identical to HJR 158.

Patron - Colgan

P SJ153

Study; occupational therapy assistants. Requests the Department of Health Professions to study the need for an appropriate level of regulation for occupational therapy assistants.

Patron - Houck

P SJ154

Study; low-income energy assistance programs. Directs the Consumer Advisory Board, established pursuant to the Virginia Electric Utility Restructuring Act, to study low-income household energy assistance programs in the Commonwealth. The Board shall examine all aspects of low-income household energy assistance programs in the Commonwealth, including the feasibility of tax credits as an incentive for energy consumers and suppliers to fund needed energy assistance programs for low-income households. The Board is also directed to study the use of penalties and fees assessed against competitive energy providers to fund such programs. This resolution is a recommendation of the Legislative Transition Task Force.

Patron - Norment

P SJ162

Study; Virginia's farmers. Requests the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services to study the economic condition and disaster assistance needs of Virginia's farmers. Identical to SJR 236.

Patron - Forbes

P SJ173

Study; State Corporation Commission. Establishing a joint subcommittee to study the regulatory responsibilities, policies, and activities of the State Corporation Commission. The joint subcommittee is directed to examine the structure, staffing, and budget of the State Corporation Commission to determine the Commission's impact on the economy and lives of the citizens of the Commonwealth. Identical to HJR 187.

Patron - Norment

P SJ177

Study; Shipbuilding industry. Continues the Joint Subcommittee Studying Economic Incentives to Promote the Growth and Competitiveness of Virginia's Shipbuilding Industry. The Joint Subcommittee shall continue to examine (i) state regulation of TBT, (ii) dual state and federal jurisdiction over workers' compensation for shipyard workers, (iii) the establishment of 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.

Patron - Schrock

P SJ192

Study; child support. Directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to include in its study of child support enforcement an examination of the costs of raising children in Virginia when parents live in separate households for the purpose of developing data that can be used to determine appropriate child support amounts.

Patron - Howell

P SJ193

Transportation in Reston. Requests the Secretary of Transportation, the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, the County of Fairfax, WMATA, LINK, the Dulles Corridor Rail Association, the Dulles Corridor Task Force, local elected officials and Reston community and business leaders to work together to ensure that a coordinated transportation plan is implemented for the Reston community.

Patron - Howell

P SJ194

Study; establishment of state park at Trevilian Station Battlefield. Requests that the Department of Conservation and Recreation, contingent upon the appropriation of funds to the Trevilian Station Battlefield Foundation, study the feasibility of the establishment of a Trevilian Station Battlefield State Park.

Patron - Houck

P SJ199

Study; completion rates. Requests the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to study the feasibility of tracking college and university completion rates separately from college and university graduation rates.

Patron - Miller, Y.B.

P SJ208

Study; kinship care. Directs the Virginia Commission on Youth to study kinship care. In conducting the study, the Commission shall consider means to eliminate obstacles to appropriate kinship care while ensuring necessary monitoring.

Patron - Miller, Y.B.

P SJ218

Study; city issues. Requests the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations to study and develop recommendations of the Commission on the Condition and Future of Virginia's Cities. The Advisory Commission shall submit an interim report in 2001 and its final report to the Governor and to the 2002 Session of the General Assembly.

Patron - Hanger

P SJ223

Study; Workers' compensation insurance costs; small farmers. Requests the Workers' Compensation Commission and State Corporation Commission to study methods to make workers' compensation insurance coverage more affordable for small farmers.

Patron - Marye

P SJ233

Study; small business development centers. Directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study small business development centers in Virginia and other locally based centers organized to assist and develop small businesses. In conducting the study, the Commission shall examine (i) the policies and procedures governing the formation of small business development centers in Virginia and other locally based centers organized to assist and develop small businesses; (ii) the existing procedures and criteria for such centers to receive state and federal funding under programs administered by the Virginia Department of Business Assistance; and (iii) the appropriate degree of control over the operations and personnel decisions of such centers by the Department. Policies and procedures governing the formation of small business development centers in Virginia.

Patron - Colgan

P SJ236

Study; Virginia's farmers. Requests the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services to study the economic condition and disaster assistance needs of Virginia's farmers. In conducting the study, the Board shall determine (i) how the Commonwealth and its agencies, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, may work more effectively and timely in assisting Virginia's agricultural producers when a natural disaster occurs; and (ii) any other actions that may be required to improve the general economic condition of Virginia's farmers. Identical to SJR 162.

Patron - Couric

P SJ237

Study; Commission on Educational Infrastructure and Technology. Continues the Commission on Educational Infrastructure as the Commission on Educational Infrastructure and Technology. The resolution notes some of the history of the Commission and that, over the last several years, the Commission has implemented study plans to collect data and background information on Virginia construction and educational technology programs and the programs implemented in other states. Further, the Commission has received presentations on North Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia, conducted a review of construction issues in other states in the Southern region, examined higher education methodology for determining space utilization, received data on the Commonwealth's student demographics and the effects of facility needs, and initiated its own survey of facilities needs in Virginia. The Commission's focus in 1999 was on the school of the new millennium, what it will look like and how technology will impact building design and curricula, school operations, teaching, student achievement and student discipline. In the course of this examination, the Commission has heard presentations on several innovative, high-tech public school programs and has reaffirmed its conviction that school construction and educational technology are inextricably linked. Identical to HJR 223.

Patron - Mims

P SJ239

Study; Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act. Directs the Joint Commission on Technology and Science to study the Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (UCITA) and suggest alternatives or amendments to the UCITA that will assure that interests of both the licensors and the licensees are adequately protected. The Commission is directed to delegate the work of the study to a subcommittee of four commission members, working cooperatively with an advisory group of industry representatives.

Patron - Newman

P SJ242

Study; continuing, and vocational and technical education. Continues the Joint Subcommittee to Study the Feasibility of Developing a Center for Continuing and Vocational Education as the Joint Subcommittee to Study Continuing and Vocational/Technical Education. The joint subcommittee shall (i) complete the planned site visits of vocational/technical programs; (ii) review Virginia's laws relating to vocational/technical education for their relevancy to existing and future programs; (iii) continue its examination of the feasibility of developing a center for continuing and vocational education; and (iv) examine such other issues relating to continuing and vocational/technical education as it may deem necessary.

Patron - Quayle

P SJ243

Study; legislative process. Directs the Joint Rules Committee to study ways to improve the legislative process and to maintain the citizen legislature. The study shall include, but not be limited to, an examination and evaluation of: (i) bill drafting practices, including, but not limited to, a review of titles, summaries, and conventions such as the use of population brackets; (ii) prefiling; (iii) procedures for the introduction and patronage of legislation; (iv) committee and subcommittee size and responsibilities; (v) consideration of legislation in committees, subcommittees and on the floor; (vi) the use of technology, including technology for filing legislation and adding and removing co-patrons electronically; (vii) the scheduling of interim meetings and activities; (viii) session dates and the possible inclusion of recesses; (ix) the budget process; (x) staffing services; (xi) orientation and training of members and staff; and (xii) other aspects of the legislative process designed to improve efficiency and maintain the citizen legislature. The resolution also provides for the establishment of a Citizen Advisory Board to assist the Committee in its work.

Patron - Norment

P SJ248

Study; shortage of classroom teachers. Directs the Commission on Educational Accountability, in cooperation with the Board of Education, the State Council of Higher Education, the Senate Committee on Finance, and the House Committee on Appropriations, to study the demand for and preparation of classroom teachers. In its deliberations, the Commission, together with the participating state agencies, shall project the number of classroom teachers needed in Virginia during the next 10 years; review the teacher education process; assess recruitment and retention efforts; evaluate procedures for awarding continuing contracts, including how Virginia may retain the most capable teachers and replace teachers who do not meet the qualifications, standards, and expectations set for teachers; consider the issues associated with compensation of teachers; determine the adequacy of pre-service and in-service professional development of teachers; and recommend ways to attract and retain an adequate supply of teachers in Virginia. Further, the Commission shall communicate and collaborate with other study committees charged to examine aspects of teacher education, recruitment, retention, and other related issues. Identical to to HJR 159.

Patron - Hanger

P SJ258

Study; child day care services for low-income families. Requests the Department of Social Services to study the funding of child day care for low-income families. The study shall include an analysis of child day care needs of former TANF recipients and low-income families, and recommendations to ensure that low-income families have the child day care services that they need to become and remain economically independent. In the event state funds are not appropriated in the 2000-2002 Appropriations Act to assist low-income families with child day care, of which a portion shall be used to support the Department's study, the Commission on Early Childhood and Child Day Care Programs shall conduct the study.

Patron - Lucas

F Letter Studies

F HJ9

Study; patient safety and medical errors. Requests the Joint Commission on Health Care to study the 1999 report of the Committee on Quality Health Care in America (Institute of Medicine) and the efficacy and appropriateness of implementing the report's findings and recommendations in the Commonwealth. In conducting its study, the Joint Commission is to consult with health care providers, consumers, and insurers; examine current Virginia and national data regarding adverse medical events; review current patient safety initiatives in Virginia health care practices; and develop specific recommendations for the implementation of patient safety measures in Virginia. The Joint Commission is to report its findings to the Governor and 2001 Session of the General Assembly. Letter from the Speaker to the Joint Commission on Health Care to conduct the study.

Patron - Marshall

F HJ18

Study; Information and Referral Centers. Requests the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to follow-up on a Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee study of the current information and referral centers for human services across the Commonwealth. The study found, among other things, that, although this system has been in place since 1983 and has been the focus of numerous directives for improvement, it is still not a well-developed system. The Secretary is to report to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees by October 1, 2000, and also report to the Governor and the 2001 Session of the General Assembly. Letter from the Speaker to the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to conduct the study.

Patron - Landes

F HJ46

Study; two-way communications systems in public schools. Directs the Board of Education to develop a plan for need-based assistance for local school divisions to install telecommunication systems in classrooms. In conducting its study, the Department is to, among other things, (i) examine classroom telecommunication systems in other states; (ii) determine the availability of similar systems in the Commonwealth's public schools; (iii) review current infrastructure and fiscal needs regarding such systems in Virginia's public schools; (iv) consider ways in which the installation of such systems might be appropriately incorporated within school, division, and statewide planning; and (v) develop a plan for the implementation of any recommended actions regarding the statewide installation of such systems in the Commonwealth's public school classrooms. The Department shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2001 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents. Letter from the Speaker to the Board of Education to conduct the study.

Patron - Tata

F HJ66

Study; improvements to intersections along Virginia Route 28. Request the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to study what improvements need to be made to intersections along Virginia Route 28 between Virginia Route 7 and US Route 29 and how to fund those improvements. Letter from the Speaker to the Virginia Department of Transportation to conduct the study.

Patron - McClure

F HJ70

Study; Victims' rights. Creates a 29-member joint subcommittee to study compliance with and enforcement of victims' rights laws. Letter from the Speaker to the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Patron - Watts

F HJ73

Study; preservation of Civil War battlefield sites and open space. Establishes a nine-member joint subcommittee to study the most effective methods of financing the preservation of Civil War battlefields and open space lands. Letter from the Speaker to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to conduct the study.

Patron - Callahan

F HJ74

Study; Tables of speed and stopping distances in § 46.2-880. Requests the Virginia Transportation Research Council to study the tables of speed and stopping distances in § 46.2-880 of the Code. The study is to consider (i) the accuracy, completeness, and currency of the data contained in the tables, (ii) the amendments that should be made to such tables, and (iii) the usefulness and appropriateness of including the tables in the Code. Letter from the Speaker to the Transportation Research Council to conduct the study.

Patron - Deeds

F HJ105

Study; fiscal autonomy for elected school boards. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the implications of granting fiscal autonomy to elected school boards. Letter from the Speaker to the Commission Studying Virginia's State and Local Tax Structure for the 21st Century to conduct the study.

Patron - Dillard

F HJ106

Study; Virginia elections emergency contingency plan. Establishes a joint legislative subcommittee to study the means and procedures to suspend, delay, or reschedule an election due to a natural or man-made disaster occurring before or during an election. Letter from the Speaker to the State Board for Elections to conduct the study.

Patron - Grayson

F HJ118

Study; reduction of solid waste. Establishes an 11-member joint subcommittee to examine strategies to reduce the amount of solid waste being deposited in Virginia's landfills. The joint subcommittee is to examine ways in which the state can encourage the use of alternative waste management practices in order to meet the goal of a 25 percent reduction in the amount of solid waste deposited in Virginia's landfills by 2005. Letter from the Speaker to the Secretary of Natural Resources to conduct the study.

Patron - Williams

F HJ119

Study; serious emotional disturbance. Directs the Virginia Commission on Youth to study children and youth with serious emotional disturbance requiring out-of-home placement. Letter from the Speaker to the Commission on Youth to conduct the study.

Patron - Rhodes

F HJ128

Study; highway construction districts. Requests the Virginia Department of Transportation to study highway construction districts in Virginia, and the desirability and feasibility of changes in the number, size, overall role of such districts in carrying out the Commonwealth's highway program generally, and their role as the basis of appointment of members of the Commonwealth Transportation Board in particular. Letter from the Speaker to the Governor's Commission on Transportation Policy.

Patron - Joannou

F HJ151

Study; VDOT Office of Public-Private Partnership. Requests the Virginia Department of Transportation to study the need for, responsibilities of, and budget for an Office of Public-Private Partnership within its organizational structure. Letter from the Speaker to the Virginia Department of Transportation to conduct the study.

Patron - May

F HJ152

Study; remittance of state and local sales tax by dealers. Creates a joint subcommittee to study the feasibility of changing the remittance of the state and local sales tax by dealers from the state level to the local level. Letter from the Speaker to the Commission Studying Virginia's State and Local Tax Structure for the 21st Century to conduct the study.

Patron - Louderback

F HJ153

Study; Finance Options for Constructing a Baseball Stadium. Establishes a joint subcommittee to oversee the Virginia Baseball Stadium Authority efforts to secure a major league baseball team as well as finalize the financing proposed to pay for construction of a major league baseball stadium. Letter from the Speaker to the Virginia Baseball Stadium Authority to conduct the study.

Patron - Callahan

F HJ155

Study; telecommunications construction. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the coordination of telecommunications construction in the public rights-of-way of the Commonwealth. Letter from the Speaker to the Virginia Department of Transportation to conduct the study.

Patron - Callahan

F HJ164

Study; emergency medical services training and certification costs. Directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study regional emergency medical service office policies regarding compensation for training expenses and the location of clinical training and the impact of such policies on the ability of local volunteer emergency medical service providers to recruit volunteers. Letter from the Speaker to the State Health Department's Office of Emergency Medical Services to conduct the study.

Patron - Pollard

F HJ174

Study; self-propelled rail cars. Requests the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (VDRPT) to study the feasibility of providing rail service using independent, self-propelled rail cars. Letter from Speaker to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (VDRPT) to conduct the study.

Patron - May

F HJ175

Study; Tech Prep and ARI. Requests the Department of Education and the Virginia Community College System to study Tech Prep and apprenticeship programs. In conducting the study, the Department and the System shall (i) review the enrollment data for Tech Prep and ARI programs and develop a demographic profile of the persons served in each program; (ii) determine which occupational training programs are in high demand, and which of these programs are preferred by men and women; (iii) evaluate the quality of Tech Prep and ARI training programs and their ability to provide the level of skills training needed to compete successfully in an increasingly high technological and computer-dependent society; (iv) determine whether or not such programs and their graduates are demanded by business and industry; (v) recommend appropriate and feasible strategies to improve and increase the availability of these programs to serve more people; and (vi) recommend appropriate outreach strategies to attract women to such occupational training programs, and to apprise them of opportunities for advancement and economic prosperity through these fields. Letter from the Speaker to the Department of Education and the Virginia Community College System to conduct the study, and to request the Department of Education to transmit certain data and information to the Virginia Community College System to facilitate its work.

Patron - Baskerville

F HJ176

Study; emergency health services in public schools. Directs the Joint Commission on Health Care to study the provision of emergency health services in the public schools of the Commonwealth, including how many, and which, localities require first aid and/or CPR training for all of their school personnel, including school bus drivers; the kind of training required, and the length of the training in hours; and any requirements for refresher courses for this training. Letter from the Speaker to the Department of Education to conduct the study.

Patron - Baskerville

F HJ177

Study; nontraditional college students. Requests the State Council of Higher Education to study the needs of nontraditional college students. In conducting the study, the Council shall (i) determine the number of nontraditional students enrolled in Virginia institutions of higher education and establish a demographic profile of such students; (ii) determine the types of academic programs support services currently available that are targeted to older adults, and identify other programmatic and support service needs; (iii) determine and review the best practices for meeting the needs of nontraditional students, particularly programs and services that can be provided regionally or collaboratively among public and private colleges and universities in the Commonwealth; and (iv) develop strategies and recommend specific ways in which Virginia can respond to the needs and demands of this growing segment of undergraduate and graduate students. Letter from the Speaker to the State Council of Higher Education to conduct the study.

Patron - Baskerville

F HJ183

Certain Standards of Accreditation issues. Requests the Board of Education to consider the English as a Second Language/Limited English Proficiency (ESL/LEP) issues in revising the Standards of Accreditation, particularly those issues relating to the requirements for obtaining a high school diploma. This resolution transmits some suggestions made to the Commission to Study Educational Issues Involving Students for Whom English is a Second Language or Students who Have Limited English Proficiency. Some of these suggestions were to (i) allow ESL/LEP students who have completed a course for which verified credit is awarded to be granted a verified credit for such course if satisfactorily completely in their first or primary language; (ii) provide assessments to ESL/LEP students that are designed to measure the students' knowledge, rather than their English skills and understanding of complex language nuances; and (iii) consider the issues generally applicable to transfer students and others vis-a-vis ESL/LEP students, particularly those students coming into Virginia's public school system who, through no fault of their own, have previously had little formal education in their first or primary language. Letter from the Speaker to the Board of Education to conduct the study, and to request that the Board include the substance of HJR 184 in its study.

Patron - Van Landingham

F HJ185

Super-maximum security facilities. Directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study the operation of the two super-maximum security facilities, Red Onion and Wallen's Ridge State Prisons, operated by the Department of Corrections. In its study, JLARC shall include (i) an analysis of the extent to which the Department's classification system is, in fact, ensuring that only dangerous, predatory or escape-risk inmates are being confined at Level 6 facilities, including an analysis of criteria and procedures for placement at and release from these facilities; (ii) an evaluative comparison of the Department's classification system as it pertains to the placement of inmates in its Level 6 facilities and of the Department's use of segregation in Level 6 facilities with best practices models in other states; (iii) an analysis of the need for two super-maximum security facilities in Virginia given current population projections and analysis of proportion of inmates who are dangerous or disruptive; (iv) an evaluation of the inmate and staff safety at Red Onion and Wallen's Ridge State Prisons; (v) the number of inmates annually at Red Onion and Wallen's Ridge State Prisons who are eligible for parole or who are serving less than life sentences and who may one day re-enter society; (vi) an assessment of the number of inmates at Level 6 facilities who are mentally ill and whether confinement of mentally ill inmates in super-maximum facilities is consistent with their treatment needs; (vii) an evaluation of the extent to which inmate programs that reduce idleness and promote development of personal, educational and vocational skills could be increased at the Commonwealth's Level 6 facilities without jeopardizing safety and security; and (viii) an analysis of the extent to which super-maximum security facilities contribute to the fulfillment of the Commonwealth' s rehabilitation mandate. Letter to the House Committee on Appropriations to conduct the study.

Patron - Bloxom

F HJ186

Study; student disciplinary statutes. Establishes a joint legislative subcommittee to study student disciplinary statutes and to suggest recommendations for revision. During the course of the study, the joint subcommittee must collaborate and communicate with other study committees charged to examine related issues, and confer with state education officials and representatives of the education community at the state and national levels. In conducting the study, the joint subcommittee shall, among, other things review court decisions, state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to its objectives, consider local practices in developing and implementing school board policies, and recommend ways to ensure prompt response to crises and violations of school board policies while ensuring equity, due process, and the safety of students and school personnel. Letter to the Commission on Youth to conduct the study.

Patron - Amundson

F HJ191

Study; Secretary of Commerce and Trade. Requests the Secretary of Commerce and Trade to reinstitute the 1994 Study and Advisory Committee established under H.J.R. 192 relating to regulatory barriers which hinder the availability of affordable housing in Virginia. Letter from the Speaker to the Department of Housing and Community Development to conduct the study.

Patron - McClure

F HJ192

Study; Bull Run Road. Requests the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to study needed improvements to Bull Run Road in Fairfax County between Bull Run Road's intersection with US 29 and the Fairfax county line. Letter from the Speaker to the Virginia Department of Transportation to conduct the study.

Patron - McClure

F HJ193

Study; insurance coverage for volunteer firefighters. Requests the State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance to study insurance coverage for volunteer firefighters in the Commonwealth. The Bureau shall specifically examine (i) the extent to which volunteer firefighters are covered by workers' compensation insurance and other types of insurance, (ii) whether the provision of insurance coverage for volunteer firefighters is affecting the level of participation in volunteer fire departments, and (iii) whether insurance coverages provided for volunteer firemen should extend beyond those provided under current workers' compensation laws. Letter from the Speaker to the State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance to conduct the study.

Patron - McClure

F HJ198

Study; access to dental care. Requests the Joint Commission on Health Care, in cooperation with a number of other affected entities, to continue its study of ways to increase access to dental care in the Commonwealth. This is a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Health Care. Letter from the Speaker to the Joint Commission on Health Care to conduct the study, and to request the Commission to include the substance of HJR 296 in its study, and coordinate its work with the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry's study, pursuant to HJR 172.

Patron - Melvin

F HJ201

Study; Health Care Decisions Act. Requests the Commissioner of Health to examine the Health Care Decisions Act. Following a detailed study of the concepts and issues, the Natural Death Act, enacted in 1983, evolved into the Health Care Decisions Act, which encompasses all varieties of advance directives, including health care durable power of attorney. The Health Care Decisions Act establishes procedures for individuals to make advance declarations on the level of treatment they want if they become terminally ill, including the appointment of an agent to make these decisions; a procedure for decision making in the absence of an advance directive for patients who are incapable of making an informed decision; and a Do-Not-Resuscitate provision. The Commissioner is requested to examine the operation of the Health Care Decisions Act with regard to (i) the physical and mental condition or diagnosis of patients who use advance directives; (ii) the circumstances of the individuals who access this process, e.g., whether institutionalized or living at home and whether supported by public programs or private funds; (iii) the effects and ethical implications of specific circumstances, e.g., the existence of inheritances, guardians ad litem, or powers of attorney; (iv) the withdrawal of treatment, particularly the withdrawal of artificially administered nutrition and hydration, from patients who are incapable of informed consent and for whom no advance directive is available; (v) professional attitudes and actions in relation to this act among the professions serving the terminally ill, the elderly, and the disabled; and (vi) any need for protecting human life while balancing the rights of individuals. Letter from the Speaker to the Commissioner of Health to conduct the study.

Patron - Marshall

F HJ203

Study; teacher peer review. Requests the Board of Education to study the feasibility and appropriateness of implementing a teacher peer review process in the Commonwealth. In conducting its study, the Board shall review, among other things, the current use of this process in the evaluation of Virginia public school teachers; application of peer review in other states; the potential implementation of a peer review process on a pilot project or other limited basis; and such other issues as it deems appropriate. Letter from the Speaker to the Board of Education to conduct the study.

Patron - Grayson

F HJ209

Study; Retaliatory discharge of whistleblowing private-sector employees. Establishes a joint subcommittee to examine employer-employee relations in light of recent Virginia Supreme Court decisions challenging the Commonwealth's commitment to its duly enacted public policies. Letter to the House Committee for Courts of Justice to conduct the study.

Patron - Moran

F HJ219

Study; central registry for brain injury. Requests the Disability Commission to evaluate the current system for reporting brain injuries to the central registry and for disseminating information to survivors and their families about available assistance. Letter from the Speaker to the Joint Commission on Health Care to conduct the study.

Patron - Jackson

F HJ222

Study; investors in high-risk accounts. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the feasibility and necessity of requiring disclosure and suitability interviews for high-risk securities accounts. Letter from the Speaker to the State Corporation Commission to conduct the study.

Patron - Purkey

F HJ225

Study; pilot indigent pharmacy program. Requesting the Technical Advisory Panel of the Virginia Indigent Health Care Trust Fund and the Department of Medical Assistance Services, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Health, to develop a pilot indigent pharmacy program as a means of improving access to prescription medications for the indigent and uninsured. This is a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Health Care. Letter from the Speaker to the Technical Advisory Panel of the Virginia Indigent Health Care Trust Fund to conduct the study.

Patron - Diamonstein

F HJ227

Study; public dental programs. Requests the State Health Commissioner to examine the feasibility of establishing a public dental health program in those communities that do not currently have access to services. This is a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Health Care. Letter from the Speaker to the Commissioner of Health to conduct the study.

Patron - DeBoer

F HJ237

Study; traumatic brain injury among individuals in juvenile detention homes. Directs the Virginia Commission on Youth to study the incidence and treatment of traumatic brain injury among individuals in Virginia's 21 juvenile detention homes. Letter from the Speaker to the Virginia Commission on Youth to conduct the study.

Patron - Scott

F HJ241

Study; bonus incentive program for state employees. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the merits and mechanics of establishing a bonus incentive program for state employees based on suggestions or improvements that save money for the Commonwealth. Letter from the Speaker to the Department of Personnel and Training to conduct the study.

Patron - Louderback

F HJ243

Study; speech-language pathology assistants. Requests the Board of Health Professions, with the assistance of the Department of Education, to continue the study on the necessity of regulating the practice of speech-language pathology assistants. Letter from the Speaker to the Board of Health Professions, together with adopted amendments, to conduct the study.

Patron - Brink

F HJ245

Study; access to news resources for the blind and visually impaired. Requests the Department for the Visually Handicapped to study means of providing access to news for visually impaired individuals, including the services offered by the National Federation for the Blind of Virginia, Inc. Letter from the Speaker to the Department for the Visually Handicapped to conduct the study.

Patron - Brink

F HJ246

Study; extraterritorial jurisdiction over health insurance. Requests the Joint Commission on Health Care to study extraterritorial jurisdiction over group accident and sickness insurance policies issued outside Virginia. The study includes a determination whether, and to what extent, group accident and sickness insurance policies should provide the same benefits to all Virginia residents regardless of where the group policy is issued. Letter from the Speaker to the State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance to conduct the study.

Patron - Moran

F HJ250

Study; speedy trial. Directs the Virginia State Crime Commission to study Virginia's speedy trial statute. Letter from the Speaker to the Virginia State Crime Commission to conduct the study.

Patron - Black

F HJ252

Board of Housing and Community Development. Requests the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development to consider studying whether changes relating to chimney inspection standards designed to foster protection from carbon monoxide poisoning and address life safety matters relating to chimneys, fireplaces, vents, and solid fuel burning appliances should be made to the Uniform Statewide Building Code to reflect more closely current provisions of the National Fire Protection Association Code. Letter from the Speaker to the Virginia Housing Study Commission to conduct the study.

Patron - Diamonstein

F HJ262

Study; telephone rates for inmates. Requests the State Corporation Commission to study present charges for Department of Corrections' prison and jail inmate long-distance calling and recommend any alternatives for the provision of long-distance service to inmates. Letter from the Speaker to the State Corporation Commission to conduct the study.

Patron - Almand

F HJ268

Study; Corporate citizenship. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study corporate citizenship within the Commonwealth. The study shall include (i) the history of corporate citizenship within the nation and the Commonwealth along with the current reemergence of interest in this area; (ii) the appropriateness of providing standard guidance for the preparation and dissemination of ethical and social impact statements as part of such corporate citizenship; and (iii) the ways by which enhanced corporate citizenship can be encouraged and facilitated at the local and state levels. Letter from the Speaker to the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the State Council of Higher Education, and the State Corporation Commission to conduct a joint study.

Patron - Darner

F HJ271

Study; public school grievance procedure. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the public school grievance procedure. Letter to the House Committee on Education to conduct the study. Identical to SJR 226.

Patron - Drake

F HJ274

Study; CMSIP. Requests a joint subcommittee to examine the current 12-month waiting period for those children eligible for the state children's health insurance program but who were previously covered or dropped from another insurance plan. Letter from the Speaker to the Department of Medical Assistance Services to conduct the study.

Patron - Baskerville

F HJ276

Study; wage replacement to care for family members. Requests the Department of Personnel and Training in conjunction with the Virginia Retirement System to study the feasibility of providing wage replacement benefits to state employees to cover absences covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Letter from the Speaker to the Department of Personnel and Training and the Virginia Retirement System to conduct a joint study.

Patron - Baskerville

F HJ287

Study; legislative process. Directs the joint subcommittee to study the legislative process. Among the proposals to be considered are (i) encouraging prefiling of legislation; (ii) requiring prefiling of administrative measures; (iii) modifying procedures and deadlines for requesting, introducing, and considering legislation during the session; (iv) developing technology to make the process more expeditious, including filing legislation electronically; (v) managing interim meetings and activities, including designating specific times during the interim for standing committee and study group meetings and controlling the cost of legislative studies; and (vi) streamlining the process in any manner to improve its effectiveness and efficiency. Letter from the Speaker to the Joint Rules Committee to conduct the study.

Patron - McDonnell

F HJ288

Study; nurses. Requests the Joint Commission on Health Care, in collaboration with a number of professional nursing and medical care organizations, to identify specific and effective short- and long-term strategies to educate, train, recruit, and retain qualified nurses in Virginia. Letter from the Speaker to the Joint Commission on Health Care to conduct the study.

Patron - McDonnell

F HJ290

Study: Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; home inspectors. Requests the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation to study whether home inspectors should be certified or licensed by the Department in light of the fact that almost every residential real estate contract in the Commonwealth now includes a condition that a home inspection occur prior to closing to protect the buyer from unknown structural defects in the home. Letter from the Speaker, together with adopted amendments, to the Board of Professional and Occupational Regulations to conduct the study.

Patron - McDonnell

F HJ293

Study; gifted students. Establishes the Commission on the Educational Needs of Certain Underserved Gifted Students. The commission is requested to examine the issues and problems associated with the underrepresentation of minority and low-income students in gifted education programs and to make recommendations to ameliorate this problem. Letter from the Speaker to the Department of Education to continue the study.

Patron - Christian

F HJ303

Study; homicides of the elderly. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study elderly homicide. In conducting its study, the joint subcommittee is directed to investigate undetected elderly homicide in order to develop information on the offenders, their victims, motives, means of death, investigative approaches and resources, indicators and awareness. Letter from the Speaker to the Virginia State Crime Commission to conduct the study.

Patron - O'Brien

F HJ305

Study; appropriateness of the penalty for involuntary manslaughter. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study of the appropriateness of the penalty for involuntary manslaughter. Letter from the Speaker to the Virginia State Crime Commission to conduct the study.

Patron - O'Brien

F HJ308

Study; expanded number, hours of operation, and mission of highway weighing stations. Requests the Virginia Department of Transportation, with the assistance of the Department of State Police, to study expanding the number, hours of operation, and mission of highway weighing stations, to assess the desirability, feasibility, and cost/benefit of having more weighing stations, having them operate 24 hours a day and seven days a week, and performing safety inspections of trucks at the stations. Letter from the Speaker, together with the adopted amendment in the nature of a substitute, to the Virginia Department of Transportation to conduct the study.

Patron - Bolvin

F HJ311

Study; changes in the Virginia Sales and Use Tax. Examine the appropriate role of the sales and use tax in today's economy to ensure it is as fair and equitable as possible. Letter from the Speaker to the Commission Studying Virginia's State and Local Tax Structure for the 21st Century to conduct the study.

Patron - Rhodes

F HJ313

Study; air transportation needs of high-tech business. Requests the Center for Innovative Technology to study improvement needs at Virginia's regional airports in order to meet the demands and expectations of high-tech businesses. Letter from the Speaker, together with adopted amendments, to the Center for Innovative Technology to conduct the study.

Patron - Devolites

F HJ314

Study; sales and use tax exemption for the infrastructure of the Internet. Requests the Department of Taxation in conjunction with the Secretary of Technology to study the utility of a sales and use tax exemption for elements of the Internet's infrastructure in expanding the resources of the Internet to all Virginians. Letter from the Speaker to the Department of Taxation to conduct the study.

Patron - Devolites

F HJ316

Study; cellular telecommunications. Directs the Joint Commission on Technology and Science to study the methods necessary to ensure compliance by local governments with the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996. Letter from the Speaker to the Joint Commission on Technology and Science to conduct the study, and to request JCOTS to include the focus of HJR 251 in its study.

Patron - Devolites

F HJ369

Study; palliative care. Requests the Joint Commission on Heath Care, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, Hospice, the Medical Society of Virginia, the Virginia Nurses Association, the Virginia Pharmacists Association, the Hospital and Health Care Association, and the Virginia Cancer Pain Initiative, to study the issues involved in palliative care. Letter from the Speaker, together with adopted amendments, to the Joint Commission on Health Care to conduct the study.

Patron - Morgan

F HJ370

Study; postpartum depression, its effects and prevention. Requests the Department of Health to establish an interagency task force to study postpartum depression. This resolution describes the feeling of many women following child birth and the fact that this condition can result in a severe condition called depressive psychosis in which new mothers may experience rapid changes in mood, lose of interest in the baby, suicidal thoughts, and thoughts of harming the baby. The task force is to be composed of local health department representatives, the Chief Medical Examiner, representatives of law-enforcement, judges, the Board of Medicine, Board of Nursing, obstetricians and gynecologists, pediatricians, and others as the Commissioner deems appropriate. The task force will consider the etiology of postpartum depression, develop a profile of women suffering from this condition, determine the prevalence of the problem in Virginia and the extent to which information concerning the condition is available to women of child-bearing age, and recommend ways to treat postpartum depression, heighten the public's awareness of this condition, and sensitize physicians and other health care providers to the seriousness of this illness. The Department of Health and the task force will report in 2001. Letter from the Speaker to the State Health Department to conduct the study.

Patron - Morgan

F HJ371

Study; hearing loss. Requests the Department of Health to study strategies to prevent hearing loss from loud noises. This resolution notes the loud sounds that are prevalent in everyday life, such as television, radio, washing machines, automobiles, buses, motorcycles, lawnmowers, vacuum cleaners, garbage disposals, trucks, and music. The harmful effects of many loud noises on the structures of the ear are also described; however, noise-induced hearing loss is preventable if individuals would only practice good health habits to protect their hearing, such as wearing protective gear and being sensitive to the dangers of loud noise. The Department of Health will be advised by a task force of medical and other experts to be appointed by the Commissioner. The Department must report in 2001. Letter from the Speaker to the State Health Department to conduct the study.

Patron - Morgan

F HJ378

Study; allocation of local funds to regional Governor's School Programs. Requests the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, in conjunction with the Virginia Gifted Education Consortium, the Commission on Local Government and the Department of Planning and Budget, to study the feasibility and fiscal impact of a new mechanism for allocating local funds to regional Governor's School Programs. Letter from the Speaker to the Board of Education to conduct the study.

Patron - Cantor

F SJ77

Study; webcasting. Directs the Joint Rules Committee to study and develop guidelines on webcasting (broadcasting over the Internet) and remote broadcasting by legislative entities. This resolution is a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science. Letter from the Speaker to the Joint Rules Committee to conduct the study.

Patron - Newman

F SJ84

Study; institutionalization of children with developmental disabilities. Requests the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to study the institutionalization of children with developmental disabilities in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The study shall include (i) a determination of the actual number of children with developmental disabilities currently in nursing homes and long-stay institutional residences; (ii) the historical and current reasons why children reside in institutional settings; (iii) any barriers in the current delivery system to family and community care; (iv) identification of additional supports children need in order to be able to reside in family homes; and (v) how these supports can be provided. Letter from the Speaker requesting the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to conduct the study.

Patron - Miller, Y.B.

F SJ86

Study; Corrections Compact. Directs the Virginia State Crime Commission to study the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision. The Commission shall determine whether changes are necessary in the existing Compact and whether a revised Compact should be established and implemented to replace the existing Compact to improve data collection, reporting, and the sharing of information regarding the exchange of parolees and probationers between and among states. Letter from the Speaker to the Virginia State Crime Commission to conduct the study.

Patron - Miller, Y.B.

F SJ123

Study; plan for a four-year university in South Central Virginia. Requests the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, in direct collaboration with four members of the Joint Subcommittee to Study the Need for Increased Availability of Higher Education Services in South Central Virginia, to develop a plan for a four-year university in South Central Virginia. The plan must be developed after taking into consideration all available options, including, but not limited to, developing a branch of an existing university, while emphasizing that the existing institutions in the region, both public and private, must be bolstered by the new university. Other options for improving and increasing educational opportunities and access in the South Central region are also listed. Letter from the Speaker to the State Council of Higher Education to conduct the study.

Patron - Hawkins

F SJ126

Study; posting reduced truck speeds on entrance and exit ramps. Requests the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to study posting of reduced truck speeds on highway entrance and exit ramps whose geometry exposes heavy trucks to danger of tipping over. Letter from the Speaker to the Virginia Department of Transportation to conduct the study.

Patron - Watkins

F SJ133

Study; reduction of solid waste. Directs the Commission on the Future of Virginia's Environment to examine strategies to reduce the amount of solid waste being deposited in Virginia's landfills. The Commission is to examine ways in which the state can encourage the use of alternative waste management practices in order to meet the goal of a 25 percent reduction in the amount of solid waste deposited in Virginia's landfills by 2005. Letter from the Speaker to the Commission on the Future of Virginia's Environment to conduct the study.

Patron - Hanger

F SJ146

Study; incentives to promote employment opportunities for disabled workers. Requests the Disability Commission to study the feasibility of offering tax and other incentives to technology companies as a means to create employment opportunities for disabled persons (those persons under a disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.) in positions that require an education or training in computer programming, engineering, electronics, or other technology fields. Letter from the Speaker to the Disability Commission to conduct the study.

Patron - Ticer

F SJ148

Study; youth suicide prevention plan. Directs the Virginia Commission on Youth, with the assistance of the State Department of Health; the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services; the Department of Education; the Virginia Council on Coordinating Prevention; survivor groups; and other interested individuals to develop a comprehensive youth suicide prevention plan. Letter to the Commission on Youth to conduct the study.

Patron - Houck

F SJ155

Study; Victims and witnesses. Directs the Virginia State Crime Commission to study victim and witness safety. The Commission study shall consider ways to increase victim and witness safety before, during, and after trial, including through means used by other states, such as dispensing with preliminary hearings in cases deemed dangerous to victims or witnesses, use of secret grand jury indictments, use of investigative grand juries, and allowing police officers to summarize evidence, including hearsay evidence, at the preliminary hearing phase. Letter from the Speaker to the Virginia State Crime Commission to conduct the study.

Patron - Stolle

F SJ156

Study; higher education technology curriculum for the twenty-first century. Requests the Secretary of Education, Secretary of Technology, and Secretary of Commerce and Trade, in consultation with the Commonwealth's state-supported colleges and universities, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, and the Virginia Community College System, to develop a common, transferable set of competencies, and that public two-year and four-year institutions develop, together, the Higher Education Technology Curriculum for the Twenty-first Century to be offered as the core curriculum at each of the Commonwealth's state-supported colleges and universities. Letter from the Speaker to the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Technology, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the State Council of Higher Education, and the Virginia Community College System to conduct the study, jointly.

Patron - Stolle

F SJ169

Study; indigent care. Requests the Joint Commission on Health Care, in cooperation with the Commonwealth's academic health centers, the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees, the Department of Planning and Budget, and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to study the feasibility of establishing a "risk-sharing" formula or other model of shared accountability for funding the cost of unreimbursed indigent care at the academic health centers. This is a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Health Care. Letter from the Speaker to the Joint Commission on Health Care to conduct the study.

Patron - Bolling

F SJ190

Study; central registry for brain injury. Requests the Disability Commission to evaluate the current system for reporting brain injuries to the central registry and for disseminating information to survivors and their families about available assistance. Letter from the Speaker to the Joint Commission on Health Care to conduct the study.

Patron - Puller

F SJ197

Study; therapeutic interchange of drugs. Requests the Department of Health's Center for Quality Health Care Services and Consumer Protection and the Bureau of Insurance of the State Corporation Commission to monitor consumer complaints regarding therapeutic exchange of chemically dissimilar drugs. In conducting the study, the Department and Bureau shall: (i) record and monitor all consumer complaints regarding the practice of therapeutic interchange received during a period of two years beginning July 1, 2000, and ending June 30, 2002; (ii) classify the consumer complaints that are received by the specific aspect of therapeutic interchange that gave rise to the complaint; and (iii) report their findings to the chairmen of the Senate Committee on Education and Health, the House Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions, and the Joint Commission on Health Care. Letter from the Speaker to the Department of Health's Center for Quality Health Care Services and Consumer Protection and the Bureau of Insurance of the State Corporation Commission to conduct the study.

Patron - Lambert

F SJ210

Study; volunteering services and technology to public schools. Directs the Commission on Educational Infrastructure and Technology to study ways to increase the involvement of businesses, organizations, and individuals in volunteering services and providing technology to all public schools and school divisions. Letter from the Speaker to the Commission on Educational Infrastructure and Technology to conduct the study.

Patron - Miller, Y.B.

F SJ217

Study; urban BMPs. Directs the Commission on the Future of Virginia's Environment to study the need to expand the best management practices for the nonpoint source pollution program to include urban land uses. Letter from the Speaker to the Commission on the Future of Virginia's Environment to conduct the study.

Patron - Hanger

F SJ219

Study; not-for-profit competition. Requests the Commonwealth Competition Council to conduct a study of the ongoing or permanent commercial activities of not-for-profit organizations. The study shall also consider the effects of such activities on state revenues. Letter from the Speaker to the Commonwealth Competition Council to conduct the study.

Patron - Hanger

F SJ226

Public school grievance procedure. Directs the Commission on Educational Accountability to study the public school grievance procedure. In conducting its study, the Commission shall consider and evaluate the continuing contract statutes and case law for instructional and administrative personnel. The study shall include, but not be limited to: (i) a thorough review of the statutory grievance procedure, (ii) an examination of the benefits and disadvantages of the continuing contract system relative to the provisions of the grievance procedure, (iii) the extent to which statutes governing the rights of principals and supervisors are not consistent with those of teachers, and (iv) how the grievance procedure is applied at public colleges and universities and for state employees. The study shall consider any existing guidelines for the evaluation of teachers, the development of a model teacher evaluation form, and the development of a comprehensive training program for the evaluation of school administrators and teachers, which includes the proper use of the teacher and administrator evaluation forms. Letter from the Speaker to the House Committee on Education to conduct the study. Identical to HJR 271.

Patron - Rerras

F SJ228

Study; nurses. Requests the Joint Commission on Health Care, in collaboration with several professional nursing and medical care organizations, to identify specific and effective short- and long-term strategies to educate, train, recruit and retain qualified nurses in Virginia. The request to conduct the study is contingent upon the availability of sufficient resources to the Joint Commission on Health Care to undertake the study. Letter to the Joint Commission on Health Care to conduct the study.

Patron - Ticer

F SJ232

Study; funding the Standards of Quality. Directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study the funding of the Standards of Quality and local educational programs and services that exceed the minimum requirements of the Standards of Quality in the Commonwealth. The Commission is requested, among other things, to (i) review current statutory, constitutional, and budgetary provisions governing the calculation of SOQ costs and funding; (ii) identify and review the educational programs and services of local school divisions that exceed the Standards of Quality and that are not currently funded by the Standards of Quality; (iii) determine the extent to which local educational programs and services that exceed the Standards of Quality are within the locality's ability to pay; (iv) review the Department of Education's process and procedure for calculating and distributing state funds based on the current funding methodology; (v) determine the need to develop a formula to fund local educational programs and services that exceed the Standards of Quality and recommend appropriate options; and (vi) evaluate the need to adjust the current basic school aid formula and determine the efficacy of devising an alternative method for funding public education in Virginia that is sufficient to meet the actual costs of education. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission is to submit its findings and recommendations by June 1, 2001. Letter from the Speaker to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to conduct the study.

Patron - Stolle

F SJ235

Study; the hearing officer system and appeals of special education decisions. Directs the Administrative Law Advisory Committee, an agency established to advise the General Assembly concerning the Administrative Code and other legal matters relating to administrative procedures, to study the hearing officer system and appeals of special education decisions. The resolution notes recent proposed revisions of the special education regulations, which have made some improvements in the hearing officer system vis-a-vis special education hearings. However, parents of disabled children and their attorneys do not believe that these efforts are enough. The Committee is directed to consult with the parents of disabled children and their attorneys concerning the problems experienced and to address any allegations of inappropriate ex parte contact, judge shopping techniques, insufficient training in conducting the hearings, and the lack of hearing officer expertise in the relevant law. Letter from the Speaker to the Administrative Law Advisory Committee to conduct the study.

Patron - Edwards

F SJ240

Study; the use of cameras, monitors, and other appropriate electronic surveillance equipment by schools. Directs the Virginia State Crime Commission to study the use of cameras, monitors, and other appropriate electronic surveillance equipment by school divisions. This resolution describes recent violent events across the nation and notes the use of cameras, monitors, and other appropriate electronic surveillance equipment in other states to keep schools safe and to prevent violence. Letter to the Virginia State Crime Commission to conduct the study.

Patron - Newman

C Carried Over

C HJ68

Study; locations for rail stations along the I-66 corridor. Requests the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to identify (i) preferred locations for passenger rail stations along the Interstate Route 66 corridor, (ii) potential sources of revenues to support construction of such stations, and (iii) necessary legislative and other actions needed to begin the accumulation of financial and other resources required for the construction of those stations. This resolution has been carried over to the 2001 Session of the General Assembly.

Patron - McClure

C HJ230

Study; law relating to juvenile driving. Requests the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study Virginia's laws relating to juvenile drivers and assess their effectiveness. This resolution has been carried over to the 2001 Session of the General Assembly.

Patron - Parrish

C HJ238

Study; Northern Virginia Regional Transportation Authority. Establishes a 15-member joint subcommittee to study consolidation of transportation authorities and similar entities in Northern Virginia. This resolution has been carried over to the 2001 Session of the General Assembly.

Patron - Scott

C HJ240

Study; four-year college in Virginia Beach. Establishes an 11-member joint subcommittee be established to study the need for a public four-year institution of higher education in the metropolitan Virginia Beach area. The joint subcommittee is to review the policies and procedures, if any, for the establishment of colleges in Virginia and examine (i) regional and potential student demographics; (ii) area educational levels as well as high school and college graduation rates; (iii) the status of economic development of the metropolitan Virginia Beach area; (iv) the availability of appropriate facilities, space, and grounds for the construction or location of a college, including the feasibility and appropriateness of transforming the existing higher education center operated by Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University into a separate, four-year institution; (v) the availability of qualified instructors, administrators, and staff; (vi) the study disciplines and degrees that might be offered at such an institution; (vii) the potential costs of establishing the college; (viii) community and local government support for the college; (ix) consultation with the State Council of Higher Education and other relevant entities regarding the establishment of a college; and (x) such other issues as it deems necessary. The joint subcommittee is to report to the Governor and the 2001 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution has been carried over to the 2001 Session of the General Assembly.

Patron - Tata

C HJ258

Study: Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Requests the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) to study the need for and, if required, issue regulations establishing a certification program for chimney safety professionals as part of the DPOR contractor licensure program. This resolution has been carried over to the 2001 Session of the General Assembly.

Patron - Williams

C HJ259

Study; training and retaining child care workers. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study ways to improve the education, training, financial rewards, and job stability of child care professionals in order to enhance child day care program quality in the Commonwealth. This resolution has been carried over to the 2001 Session of the General Assembly.

Patron - Scott

C HJ299

Study; Implementation of Federal Mandates Act. Directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study state compliance with the Implementation of Federal Mandates Act. This resolution has been carried over to the 2001 Session of the General Assembly.

Patron - Katzen

C SJ82

Study; hub airport in Eastern Virginia. Creates a 12-member joint subcommittee to study the feasibility of establishing a hub airport in Eastern Virginia.

Patron - Williams

C SJ83

Study; highway construction project criteria. Authorizes a seven-member joint subcommittee to study criteria and procedures for selecting highway construction projects for inclusion in the Commonwealth Transportation Board's Six-Year Improvement Program.

Patron - Williams

C SJ167

Study; preserving open-space. Requests the Department of Conservation and Recreation to study future land use along Paradise Creek and to recommend ways the Commonwealth might participate in the development of a public park and recreational area.

Patron - Quayle

C SJ174

South-central Virginia Economic Development Commission. Establishes the South-central Virginia Economic Development Commission, a 20-member group, for the purpose of implementing initiatives to turn the economy in the South-central area of Virginia in a new direction. This resolution defines "South-central Virginia" as the communities of interest bordered in the south by the state line between North Carolina and the counties of Patrick, Henry, Pittsylvania, Halifax, Mecklenburg and Brunswick, proceeding north to include the counties of Franklin and Campbell and the City of Lynchburg, then proceeding northeast to include the county of Appomattox, then turning south again to include the counties of Prince Edward, Charlotte, and Lunenburg, thus closing the line and subsuming all cities and towns located within these named jurisdictions, e.g., Martinsville, Danville, Farmville, and Lynchburg. The Commission will be, if funds are appropriated, empowered to hire a consultant who must be an expert in writing grants to be submitted to foundations and various agencies of the federal government in such areas as rural health care, job training and development, tourism, and education. The Commission's purpose will be to develop at least three initiatives to augment the economy of South-central Virginia, through grants and special projects. The consultant may be required to produce a brochure highlighting the qualities, attractions, people, and history of South-central Virginia. The Division of Legislative Services, the consultant, and, if available, the Rural Economic Analysis Program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University will provide staff assistance. This study's cost will not exceed $205,400.

Patron - Hawkins

C SJ189

Study; Internet voting. Directs the Joint Commission on Technology and Science to review developments in the practical application of online voting in the Commonwealth, its use in other states, issues of security and ballot secrecy, and the costs and potential cost savings for Virginia's localities of introducing this technology into the Commonwealth's election process.

Patron - Couric

C SJ211

Study; legislative internship program. Establishes a select committee to study the feasibility of the establishment of the Virginia Legislative Internship Program.

Patron - Miller, Y.B.

C SJ213

Study; water quality monitoring system. Directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study the progress made by the Department of Environmental Quality toward full implementation of the Water Quality Monitoring, Information and Restoration Act.

Patron - Whipple

C SJ229

Study; Crime Commission; identity fraud. Directs the Virginia State Crime Commission to study identity fraud and theft.

Patron - Ticer

C SJ251

Study; Interstate Route 81 reconstruction and widening. Establishes a 15-member advisory commission to serve as an institutional link between the Department of Transportation and affected communities, businesses, and citizens during the reconstruction and widening of Interstate Route 81. The panel is to report to the Governor and the 2001 Session of the General Assembly.

Patron - Hanger