Study Resolutions

Passed

P HJ5

Medicaid; transfer of assets, land-use assessments, and eligibility for Medicaid. Requests the Department of Medical Assistance Services to examine its transfer of assets rule as such rule relates to land-use assessments and eligibility for Medicaid. This resolution notes that Medicaid requires that applications for eligibility be reviewed to determine whether property has been transferred for less than the full assessed value or meets a federal exception to this rule. Further, a penalty period is calculated if the applicant has sold or otherwise transferred property for less than its full assessed value. In areas where land-use valuations are the standard, this rule has the unfortunate result of making it difficult for rural property owners with farm or other land-use property to maintain the current land use and contributes to increases in urban sprawl. The Department of Medical Assistance Services is requested to identify various designs for allowing land-use assessments to be substituted for fair market value under specific circumstances that will require, as a condition of Medicaid eligibility, current owners to preserve the land-use of their property for at least a period of 10 years beyond the transfer, restrain urban sprawl, and sustain rural family land use businesses. The Department, within the parameters of federal requirements, shall consider the feasibility of a revised methodology for determining the fair market value of property in areas applying land-use assessments in relationship to transfer of assets and eligibility for Medicaid long-term care. The Department must complete its work and submit a final report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Orrock

P HJ20

Commission on reform of educational leadership. Creates a two-year, 21-member commission to review, study and reform educational leadership. In conducting its study, the commission shall, among other things, (i) evaluate the policy environment for educational leadership; (ii) propose necessary statutory amendments or changes based on research, surveys, analysis and review of pertinent laws, guidelines, policies, regulations and practices; (iii) communicate regularly to the Board of Education any relevant findings with recommendations for needed regulatory action; and (iv) provide a forum for educational leaders to report to the commission the challenges of, and impact on, their work. The Commission must submit an interim report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly, and submit its final report to the Governor and the 2004 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution incorporates HJR 147 and is identical to SJR 58.
Patron - Hamilton

P HJ23

Crashes involving trucks and other large vehicles stopped on highways. Requests the Crash Investigation Team of Virginia Commonwealth University's Transportation Safety Training Center and the Virginia Transportation Research Council to study why other motorists collide with trucks and other large vehicles stopped on the roadways and shoulders of highways and make recommendations as to how the frequency and severity of such crashes may be reduced. The Council must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Marshall, R.G.

P HJ31

State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act. Establishes a joint subcommittee to review the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act. In the study, the joint subcommittee shall review (i) the definitions of "personal interest in a transaction" and "personal interest in a contract", (ii) requirements for filing disclosure statements, (iii) rules regarding the disqualification of officials and employees from participating in a transaction when a conflict exists, and (iv) any other areas of confusion or inconsistency in terms of Act application. The joint subcommittee must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution incorporates HJR 61.
Patron - Marshall, R.G.

P HJ32

Magistrates. Requests the Committee on District Courts of the Supreme Court of Virginia to study the magistrate system in Virginia. In conducting the study, the Committee shall review the laws and administrative policies governing the selection, training, oversight and evaluation of magistrates to ensure that magistrates have a basic competency in law and court procedures that is uniform and consistent across the Commonwealth. The Committee shall also review magistrate policies and operations within judicial circuits to ensure that there is accountability for the actions of magistrates, and that there is a uniform statewide system for taking and resolving complaints and inquiries about the actions of magistrates, particularly in the decision-making process used for determining bail and setting bond in domestic and family violence cases. The Committee must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Sherwood

P HJ34

Best practices in public school operations. Directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to examine best administrative, fiscal, and service practices in the Commonwealth's public school divisions. In conducting the study, the Commission shall select from among the several school divisions, a sample that is representative of urban, suburban, and rural school divisions in the Commonwealth. The Commission shall also (i) consider, among other things, the work of the Commission on Efficiency in the Use of Public School Funds; (ii) identify those programs and services that might be consolidated, are not achieving their intended purpose, or for which the mission is no longer relevant or discernible; (iii) identify those services, such as transportation, maintenance, food service, and other initiatives that might be effectively out-sourced; and (iv) develop recommendations regarding revenue-saving initiatives and practices. The Commission must submit an interim report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly, and must submit its final written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2004 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Lingamfelter

P HJ37

Epidemiological survey of elderly patients in long-term care facilities. Continues the epidemiological survey of the elderly population in Virginia's long-term care facilities to develop a screening methodology that will identify patients with suspected Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) who could benefit from medical therapy.
Patron - Hargrove

P HJ44

Funding for nonstate agencies. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study alternative funding sources for nonstate agencies. In conducting its study, the joint subcommittee shall (i) catalog and distribute information regarding alternative sources of funding and (ii) recommend ways in which nonstate agencies may strengthen their respective boards, such as how to select qualified board members, provide training for members of the boards of directors, improve the board's fund-raising expertise, and determine the need to employ a person with expertise in planning and development and fund-raising. The joint subcommittee must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - O'Bannon

P HJ60

Revision of state tax code. Continues a joint subcommittee that began to examine the revision of the state tax code. In continuing its work, the joint subcommittee shall (i) continue the work it began in 2001; (ii) ensure that Virginia's tax code is fair, uniform, understandable, and contemporary; (iii) examine the report and recommendations of the Commission on Virginia's State and Local Tax Structure for the 21st Century; (iv) seek broad input from all levels of government, the private sector, and citizens concerning the sufficiency of the Commonwealth's current tax system; (v) consider the necessity and sufficiency of current taxes, fees, deductions and credits as well as the rates of taxation; (vi) consider current revenue capacity of localities and the sufficiency of their revenue tools; (vii) examine the number and costs of tax preferences including income tax subtractions, deductions and exemptions, and income tax credits currently in the tax code; (viii) estimate the loss in sales tax due to electronic commerce; (ix) evaluate the real estate assessment appeals process, the need for any changes to the process, and the effect that such changes would have on taxpayers and local governments; (x) consider the long-term effect on the Commonwealth's revenues from the phase-out of the personal property tax; (xi) evaluate the appropriateness of the merchants' capital tax and the business, professional and occupational license tax; (xi) consider a plan to more equitably address tax preferences and rates for personal and business income taxes; (xii) determine the equitable division of support to be assumed by the state and localities for education and mandated services in light of the reforms recommended by the Commission; and (xiii) review the current method of imposing taxes on farm real estate and alternative methods for imposing farm real estate taxes, including the feasibility of replacing the current method with a tax on the value of what is produced by farms. The joint subcommittee shall submit its written findings and recommendations to the Virginia Code Commission, and to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution incorporates HJR 150.
Patron - McDonnell

P HJ73

Department of Taxation to collect information pertaining to the methods utilized for approving and administering sales and use tax exemption by the States of Maryland and North Carolina. Requests the Department of Taxation to collect information pertaining to the methods utilized for approving and administering sales and use tax exemptions by the States of Maryland and North Carolina. Specifically, the Department is requested to collect information on each state's procedures for (i) granting sales and use tax exemptions, (ii) issuing certificates or letters of exemption, (iii) ensuring proper use of such certificates, and (iv) dealing with the administration of the program. The Department shall primarily seek information pertaining to tax exemptions for nonprofit organizations but any information concerning other organizations' exemptions that would assist the General Assembly in policy decisions regarding sales and use tax exemptions should also be obtained. The Department of Taxation shall provide no later than August 1, 2002, the information it has collected to the joint subcommittee to study and revise Virginia's state tax code, for inclusion in the joint subcommittee's report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Parrish

P HJ76

Guardians ad litem. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the effectiveness and costs of the guardian ad litem program. In conducting its study, the joint subcommittee shall (i) review the role and authority of guardians ad litem throughout the Commonwealth; (ii) ascertain whether the guardian ad litem functions and duties have become more judicial than originally intended; (iii) determine whether courts are delegating decision-making authority to guardians ad litem over issues, such as visitation and counseling, that the Legislature never anticipated; (iv) determine whether or not fees should be limited or whether standardization of the guardian ad litem program is warranted to facilitate consistency, or both; and (v) consider such other related matters as the joint subcommittee may deem necessary to the furtherance of its work. The joint subcommittee must report its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Griffith

P HJ88

Incentives to commercialize research and development. Requests the Secretary of Technology, in cooperation with the Center for Innovative Technology and the Virginia Research and Technology Advisory Commission, to recommend incentives necessary to encourage the commercialization of university research and development. The Secretary must report his written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Devolites

P HJ89

Court files. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study protection of information contained in the records, documents and cases filed in the courts of the Commonwealth. The joint subcommittee shall submit its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly
Patron - Devolites

P HJ90

Prescription drugs. Continues the Joint Commission on Prescription Drug Assistance. In continuing its deliberations, the joint subcommittee shall consider (i) the feasibility of strengthening the Commonwealth's pharmacy purchasing ability for state programs, (ii) using the savings generated to create and fund a pharmacy benefits program for low-income and uninsured elderly persons, such as lowering the cost of existing pharmacy benefit programs for which state general funds are expended by consolidating pharmacy purchases, and (iii) pursuing cooperative arrangements with other states to pool pharmacy purchases. The Commission shall report its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution incorporates HJR 129.
Patron - Jones, S.C.

P HJ91

Independent school evaluation services. Creates a joint subcommittee to study the use of independent educational performance assessment services. In conducting the study, the joint subcommittee shall consider, among other things, the use of Standard and Poor's School Evaluation Services (SES) in other states, ongoing school accountability efforts within the Commonwealth, the feasibility and appropriateness of implementing an independent school evaluation service within Virginia, and such other issues as it deems necessary. The joint subcommittee shall report its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Byron

P HJ94

Indigent defense commission. Directs the Virginia State Crime Commission to establish an indigent defense study committee to study and examine whether the establishment of a statewide indigent defense commission would improve the quality and efficiency of the Commonwealth's indigent defense services. The Crime Commission must report his written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2004 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution is identical to SJR 43.
Patron - Kilgore

P HJ118

Future of Virginia's Environment. Continues the Commission Studying the Future of Virginia's Environment. In conducting its study, the Commission shall 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. This resolution is identical to SJR 117.
Patron - Cox

P HJ122

Collection of data pertaining to the prevalence of methylphenidate and amphetamine prescriptions in the Commonwealth. Requests the Department of Health to collect data to determine the prevalence of methylphenidate and amphetamine prescriptions in the Commonwealth. In collecting the data, the Department shall confer with the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, the Department of Education, the Board of Pharmacy, the Board of Medicine, and the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatricians. The Department shall review existing health and prescription databases, obtain information accessible pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.), and federal laws and regulations, and may contract for services with appropriate private research organizations for services to facilitate the collection of necessary data. The Department shall submit a copy of its findings regarding data collected on the prevalence of methylphenidate and amphetamine prescriptions for school age children in the Commonwealth, pursuant to this resolution, with the Division of Legislative Services, no later than November 30, 2003. This resolution is a recommendation of the HJR 660 Joint Subcommittee to Investigate the Improper Prescription and Illegal Use and Diversion of Ritalin and OxyContin and to Study the Effects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on Student Performance.
Patron - Tata

P HJ124

Economic development for economically stressed communities. Requests the Department of Business Assistance and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to redouble their efforts to enhance the growth and prosperity of economically stressed communities in the Commonwealth.
Patron - Armstrong

P HJ142

Treatment Needs of Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders. Continues the study of certain mental health needs, training, and treatment issues begun by Committee Studying Treatment Options for Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders, under the auspices of the Joint Commission on Behavioral Health Care, the Virginia State Crime Commission and the Commission on Youth. The resolution also requests certain Secretaries and state agencies to provide information or commence specific action related to such issues. Specifically, the resolution requests the (i) Secretary of Public Safety, in conjunction with the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and the Secretary of Administration to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment services provided to and needed by state responsible offenders; (ii) the Department of Corrections and the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services to examine access to medications and the management of medications for released offenders; (iii) the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court to examine the development of a model court order that addresses mental health services; (iv) the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services to explore ways to communicate information to offenders about innovative practices among providers of mental health and substance abuse treatment services; (v) the Department of Medical Assistance Services, in conjunction with the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice, to examine the accessibility to Medicaid benefits by eligible offenders immediately upon their release; (vi) the Department of Juvenile Justice to design and implement a uniform mental health screening instrument for juvenile offenders admitted to secure detention facilities and the feasibility of implementing a uniform screening and interview process for pre-dispositional investigations; and (vii) the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, in conjunction with the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Virginia Supreme Court, the Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Department of Juvenile Justice to develop and recommend ways to implement a curriculum for cross-training law-enforcement officers, judges, jail and detention home staff, and community mental health treatment staff in security and treatment services. All agencies must report their findings and recommendations to the Committee Studying Treatment Options for Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders by September 30, 2002. The Committee Studying Treatment Options for Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders shall report its written findings and recommendations, including the reports of the Secretaries and state agencies referenced herein, to the Governor and the 2004 Session of the General Assembly. The resolution is the recommendation of the Committee Studying Treatment Options for Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders (SJR 440, 2001). This resolution incorporates HJR 84, HJR 121, HJR 140, HJR 14, SJR 83, SJR 84, SJR 95, SJR 96, SJR 97, SJR 100, and SJR 101, as amended. This resolution is identical to SJR 97 as passed.
Patron - Weatherholtz

P HJ156

Growth and Economic Development. Continues the Commission on Growth and Economic Development. In conducting its study, the Commission shall continue to encourage the participation of all interested groups, organizations and individuals, including those associated with local governments, business interests, the development community, and environmental causes. Issues to be examined by the Commission may include: (i) the need for new or additional funding for programs such as the Derelict Structure Fund, the Weed and Seed Program, Housing Revitalization Zone Program, Urban Public-Private Partnership Redevelopment Fund, housing tax credits, public transportation needs, brownfields site assessment, Agricultural Vitality Program and state and local important soil surveys; (ii) the need for a dedicated source of funding to preserve open space; (iii) a study of the local government tax authority and structure to determine what may be a hindrance to preserving open space; (iv) the creation of a statewide housing policy to address issues such as homeownership trends, barriers to homeownership, and the need for local government accommodation of the housing needs of the entire spectrum of potential home buyers; (v) reform of VDOT funding methods, including increased flexibility to localities in the use of state street maintenance and construction funding; (vi) changes to VDOT minimum street width standards to allow greater local flexibility; (vii) enhancement of the use of various state tax credits and development of a tax credit program for brownfields; (viii) issues surrounding the leasing versus purchasing of educational facilities; (ix) issues related to local revenue shortfalls including proposals to return a portion of future growth in state income tax revenue and use of the referendum process to allow citizens to determine whether a locality should adopt new local taxes to address such shortfalls; and (x) methods for addressing the state transportation funding shortfall. The Commission must report its interim findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly, and must submit its written final report to the Governor and the 2004 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Hall

P HJ159

Existing agencies. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the operations, practices, duties, and funding of the Commonwealth's boards, commissions, councils and other governmental entities in the legislative and executive branches. The joint subcommittee shall (i) examine the history, budget, and current activities of each governmental entity; (ii) determine whether critical functions are being performed as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible; (iii) identify duplicative functions and activities; (iv) determine whether the entity is funded at appropriate levels; (v) compare and evaluate the entity's work and results with its stated statutory mission; and (vi) make recommendations for consolidation, elimination, reduction, or increase of activities and funding of each entity based upon the review. This resolution incorporates HJR 125 and HJR 154.
Patron - McDonnell

P HJ162

Continuing the Rural Virginia Prosperity Commission for the purpose of establishing the Center for Rural Virginia. Continues the Commission for the purpose of establishing the Center for Rural Virginia. The Commission shall monitor the Center's implementation of the Commission's recommendations, including those related to (i) capital access for rural areas, (ii) adult education and workforce enhancement, (iii) the digital economy, (iv) incentives for economic and rural development, (v) infrastructure, (vi) K-12 education, and (vii) primary industries. In addition, the Commission shall assist the Center in exploring the numerous issues considered by the Commission but requiring further study. The Commission must submit an interim report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly, and its written final report to the Governor and the 2004 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Hogan

P HJ163

Advancing affordable, high-bandwidth electronic networks in rural Virginia. Requests the Center for Innovative Technology and the Secretary of Technology to study the means for advancing affordable, high-bandwidth electronic networks in rural Virginia. The Center for Innovative Technology and the Secretary of Technology shall coordinate meetings with public and private stakeholders to achieve the following goals: (i) evaluate the present state and need for new infrastructure in rural Virginia to fill strategic gaps in present commercial networks and coordinate plans to fill the gaps; (ii) set bandwidth goals with a timetable for achieving the goals; and (iii) encourage private development and, where necessary, facilitate the extension of advanced networks throughout the state to serve rural counties, cities and towns with affordable, high-bandwidth connections for businesses, local governments, education, health care and citizens. The Center for Innovative Technology and the Secretary of Technology shall further recommend a means or criteria by which areas that are not sufficiently served by the private sector at minimally-established data rates, be permitted to create public-private partnerships to provide the necessary services or, alternatively, to create the necessary services themselves with such services to be offered to the private sector at fair market value at the appropriate time. The Center for Innovative Technology and the Secretary of Technology shall coordinate their work with the Tobacco Commission and the E-58 project. The Center for Innovative Technology and the Secretary of Technology shall report their written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Saxman

P HJ166

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment. Requests the Department of Medical Assistance Services to continue its efforts to provide information to physicians and mental health providers about the comprehensive services available through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) component of the Medicaid program. The Department must report its progress to the Commission on Youth by November 30, 2002 and to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly
Patron - Darner

P HJ170

Continuing the Commission on Access and Diversity in Higher Education. Continues the Commission on Access and Diversity in Higher Education. The Commission is directed to continue its work on objectives pertaining to the supply and demand of classroom teachers, closing the academic achievement gap, the Virginia Plan for Equal Opportunity in State-Supported Institutions of Higher Education, the diversity of faculty and staff at public colleges and universities, campus climate, admission and retention rates of minority students, related socioeconomic, political and legal issues that the Commission has been directed to address to ensure equal education opportunity for all students, and such other related issues as the Commission may deem appropriate. The Commission shall also collaborate and work cooperatively with relevant state agencies and representatives of the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, acting as liaison between the General Assembly and OCR, during the monitoring and reporting phase of the implementation of the agreement between the Commonwealth and the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. The membership of the Commission has been reduced from 15 members to ten members. The Commission must submit its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2004 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution is a recommendation of the Commission on Access and Diversity in Higher Education.
Patron - Jones, J.C.

P HJ201

Bail bondsmen. Directs the Virginia State Crime Commission to study certain issues pertaining to bail bondsmen, bounty hunters, and bond payment to the court. In conducting the study, the Commission shall (i) determine the need for regulation, training and oversight of bail bondsmen and bounty hunters; (ii) examine the feasibility and methods of providing for a percentage of bond payment to the court; and (iii) determine whether the certification and supervision of bail bondsmen and bounty hunters should be transferred from the judicial branch to the executive branch of state government. The Commission shall, at a minimum, solicit input and assistance from representatives of the Department of Criminal Justice Services, the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court, and local pretrial services agencies. The Commission must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution incorporates HJR 62, HJR 63, and HJR 93.
Patron - Melvin

P HJ202

State water policies. Directs the State Water Commission to conduct a two-year study of the effectiveness of the Commonwealth's water policies. In conducting the study, the State Water Commission shall examine (i) Virginia's current water laws and policies; (ii) the adequacy of such laws and policies in providing adequate water supplies; (iii) the role the state should play in data collection, water supply planning, water allocation, dispute resolution, and water development; and (iv) the role of the state in watershed planning to provide quality raw water, both surface and groundwater, for water supplies. The Commission must report its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2004 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Landes

P HJ206

Commercialization of intellectual property; Seed capital and angel investor. Requests the Secretary of Technology, in conjunction with the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, to establish a task force to study best practices for assisting the development of technology-based businesses that will produce jobs and other economic benefits throughout the Commonwealth. The task force shall (i) focus on best practices designed to assist in the development of a business environment and infrastructure conducive to the discovery and commercialization of new technologies and the development and growth of technology-based businesses throughout the Commonwealth; (ii) review existing initiatives in other states, including best practices being defined and followed in those states; (iii) seek the voluntary participation of representatives of the House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia, Virginia-based technology businesses, Virginia-based investors, and Virginia's institutions of higher education; and (iv) submit periodic progress reports to the Joint Commission on Technology and Science (JCOTS) and a final progress report in time for JCOTS to finalize its legislative recommendations for the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. The task force must submit its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Nixon

P HJ209

Local taxation of the entire telecommunications industry and its customers. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the local taxes imposed on the entire telecommunications industry and its customers within the Commonwealth. The joint subcommittee shall examine local taxes imposed on the telecommunications industry to ensure that the taxes imposed on this complex industry are fair and equitable to all elements of the telecommunications industry, and its customers, and are relatively easy to administer and collect. The joint subcommittee must submit its written findings and recommendations no later than August 1, 2002, to the joint subcommittee established to study and revise Virginia's state tax code, and to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Bryant

P HJ210

Future of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Requests the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study the future of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. In conducting its study, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission shall examine the findings of all recent studies relative to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel and issue recommendations regarding the appropriate state role in determining the future of the CBBT. In its examination, the Commission shall pay attention to the: (i) appropriate role for the CBBT in the economic growth and development generally in the Commonwealth and especially on the Eastern Shore; (ii) appropriate toll structure to ensure proper maintenance, sustain CBBT operations, meet debt obligations, and plan for needed capital improvements; and (iii) efficiency and efficacy of overall Commission management policy, practices, salary structure, and operations.
Patron - Bloxom

P HJ211

Implementation of recommendations of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) on aspects of Virginia's transportation programs. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the implementation of recommendations of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission on aspects of Virginia's transportation programs, and the efficacy of transferring certain responsibilities of the Virginia Department of Transportation and local governments. In conducting the study, the joint subcommittee shall also determine (i) the level of responsibility that the Department of Transportation should bear for the maintenance of roads in private developments; (ii) the desirability and feasibility of shifting the primary responsibility for mass transit programs in Northern Virginia from local governments to the Department of Transportation; and (iii) the desirability and feasibility of shifting the primary responsibility for construction and maintenance of secondary roads from the Department of Transportation to local governments. The work of the joint subcommittee shall be assisted by a technical advisory committee, appointed by the chairman, to address the highway classification and allocation recommendations made by JLARC. The technical advisory committee shall include, but not be limited to, representatives of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT); a representative of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation; staff to the Commonwealth's metropolitan planning organizations; local government representatives having experience with the transportation needs of rural, suburban, and urban areas; representatives of AAA of Virginia, the highway construction industry, and environmental organizations; and interested citizens. Members of the Technical Advisory Committee shall serve without compensation and voting privileges. The joint subcommittee must report its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2004 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution incorporates HJR 97.
Patron - Callahan

P HJ215

Sentencing of misdemeanor crimes. Directs the Virginia State Crime Commission to study the sentencing of misdemeanor crimes. The Commission shall give particular attention to (i) the sentences imposed by judges and juries in misdemeanor cases; (ii) the length of time actually served by defendants given jail sentences; and (iii) any differences that result from variations based on the type of jail authority (single county or regional) and geographical location. The Commission must report its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Bell

P HJ219

Medicaid Buy-In program. Requests the Department of Medical Assistance Services, in collaboration with the Department of Rehabilitative Services and the Department for Rights of Virginians with Disabilities, or its successor in interest, to proceed with the development of Medicaid Buy-In opportunity for working Virginians with disabilities. In developing the opportunity, the Department of Medical Assistance Services must utilize the Medicaid Infrastructure grant to identify the steps needed to implement an effective Medicaid Buy-In Program for Virginia, with the goal of utilizing data to develop initial legislation and budgetary recommendations that will be necessary to implement the Buy-In. The Department must report its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly This resolution is a recommendation of the Disability Commission and is identical to SJR 128.
Patron - Van Landingham

P HJ236

Housing for persons with disabilities. Encourages the Virginia Disability Commission to make the identification of improved housing opportunities for citizens with disabilities its top priority for the 2002-2003 interim session and to facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to develop recommendations for strengthening intergovernmental and interagency coordination of housing programs for people with disabilities. The Commission is requested to expand its work group to include the participation and involvement of all federal, state, local and community agencies, organizations and individuals concerned about housing for people with disabilities. In addition, the Commission and its work group are encouraged to develop a Housing Action Plan that (i) identifies the mission, composition, responsibilities, and funding for an intergovernmental, interagency coordinating body on housing and disability issues; (ii) identifies actionable strategies consistent with the mission and responsibilities of state housing agencies for the maximizing use of Section 8 programs and other federal housing and housing production programs for individuals with disabilities in Virginia; and (iii) develops a system of incentives and rewards for building accessible housing. The Commission is also encouraged to make use of existing research and presentation opportunities, including the annual state housing conference, to bring about optimal statewide attention to the housing needs of people with disabilities and available federal opportunities. This resolution is identical to HJR 251.
Patron - Van Landingham

P HJ255

Conservation of open space. Requests the Secretary of Natural Resources to examine options for providing a stable source of funding for conservation of open space, including options for additional grant support and public-private partnerships, and other issues as may seem appropriate regarding land conservation. This resolution is identical to SJR 159.
Patron - Bryant

P SJ33

Relocation of state government functions. Requests the Secure Virginia Panel, pursuant to Executive Order 7 (2002), to study the feasibility of relocating state government functions and agencies to enhance safety and security. In conducting the study, the Secure Virginia Panel shall examine state facilities and operations to determine which facilities and operations may be relocated based on the following factors: (i) enhancement to safety and security, (ii) disruption in state services that may be caused by relocation, (iii) potential relocation costs, and (iv) potential economic impact of relocation.
Patron - Marye

P SJ35

Virginia-North Carolina Interstate High-Speed Rail Commission. Extends the mandate of the Virginia-North Carolina Interstate High-Speed Rail Commission for two additional years, with a final report to the Governor and the 2005 Session of the General Assembly. The Virginia delegation to the joint panel consists of eight members, four members of the Senate and four members of the House of Delegates.
Patron - Watkins

P SJ43

Indigent defense commission. Directs the Virginia State Crime Commission to establish an indigent defense study committee to study and examine whether the establishment of a statewide indigent defense commission would improve the quality and efficiency of the Commonwealth's indigent defense services. The Commission must submit its report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution is identical to HJR 94.
Patron - Stolle

P SJ45

Regulatory responsibilities, policies, and activities of the State Corporation Commission. Continues the joint subcommittee to study the regulatory responsibilities, policies, and activities of the State Corporation Commission. The joint subcommittee shall complete its objectives pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 173 (2000) and House Joint Resolution 187 (2000). The joint subcommittee must submit its report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Norment

P SJ57

Commission on Educational Accountability. Continues the Commission on Educational Accountability. Initially created in 1999 pursuant to SJR 498 and continued in 2000 pursuant to SJR 385, the Commission examined recent legislative actions addressing multiple criteria for school accreditation, graduation, and promotion and retention; the effectiveness of remediation efforts and year-round schools; test security procedures; the efforts of academic review teams in assisting schools accredited with warning; and recent developments in career and technical education in 2001. Senate Joint Resolution 13, which provided for an examination of the feasibility and appropriateness of providing universal, voluntary education for four-year olds, and Senate Joint Resolution 75, which proposed a study regarding the recruitment and retention of classroom teachers, were informally forwarded to the Commission on Educational Accountability. The Commission is to report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Hanger

P SJ58

Commission on reform of educational leadership. Creates a 21-member commission to review, study and reform educational leadership. In conducting its study, the commission shall, among other things, (i) evaluate the policy environment for educational leadership; (ii) propose necessary statutory amendments or changes based on research, surveys, analysis and review of pertinent laws, guidelines, policies, regulations and practices; (iii) communicate regularly to the Board of Education any relevant findings with recommendations for needed regulatory action; and (iv) provide a forum for educational leaders to report to the commission the challenges and the effect of their work. This resolution is identical to HJR 20. The Commission must submit an interim report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. The Commission's final report must be submitted to the Governor and the 2004 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Hanger

P SJ64

Transit service for the U.S. 1 corridor. Encourages the Department of Rail and Public Transportation to work towards the development of a U.S. Route 1 Corridor Transit Plan. Specifically, the Department is requested to work with VDOT, Fairfax County, Prince William County, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission, the Ft. Belvoir Army Base, and the Quantico Marine Corps Base, towards developing a plan for short- and long-term transit improvements in the Route 1 Corridor, including advanced traffic signal technologies, and specific implementation timetables and funding options.
Patron - Puller

P SJ66

Lead-poisoning prevention. Continues the Joint Subcommittee Studying Lead-Poisoning Prevention. The joint subcommittee is directed to (i) continue working on a blueprint for consumers regarding lead programs; (ii) stimulate the development of a needed secure system for patient data sharing between relevant state agencies in order to ameliorate concerns about compliance with certain new federal regulations; and (iii) provide written support for the state grant application efforts, as appropriate. The joint subcommittee must submit its report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Lambert

P SJ69

Special conservators of the peace and special police. Directs the Virginia State Crime Commission to study special conservators of the peace and special police. The study shall include, but not be limited to, (i) the chronicity and rationale for current appointments of conservators and special police officers statewide, (ii) training needs of appointees to ensure understanding of constitutional and criminal law, (iii) proper search and seizure techniques, (iv) proper manner of executing arrest, and (v) personal safety concerns and issues when exercising conservator powers.
Patron - Norment

P SJ77

Services provided by out-of-network health care providers in certain Virginia localities. Requests the Department of Human Resource Management and the Secretary of Administration to study issues relating to services provided by out-of-network health care providers in certain localities. This resolution calls for an examination of (i) the availability of participating specialty physician and hospital care in rural or sparsely populated areas of the Commonwealth that are located on or near the state line; (ii) ways to resolve patients' financial concerns about accessing available specialty physician and hospital care, particularly, in rural Virginia areas with shortages of health care providers and in state-line jurisdictions; (iii) the feasibility of providing an exception from the pre-approval rule for special circumstances that do not rise to the level of a life-threatening emergency but are exigent medical necessities for patients living in localities near the state line; (iv) the feasibility of contracting with out-of-state physicians and hospitals that are located in close proximity to the Virginia state line; (v) the possibility of providing a grace period for pre-approval of out-of-network care in state-line jurisdictions under specific circumstances; and (vi) ways to improve patient knowledge and understanding of the out-of-network penalty and when it applies and physician awareness of the need for pre-approval for out-of-network care in terms of reimbursement levels. The Department and the Secretary must submit their report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Puckett

P SJ80

Personal Electric Rapid Transit System technology. Requests the Secretary of Transportation to study the use of Personal Electric Rapid Transit System Technology (PERTS). In conducting the study, the Secretary shall determine the desirability and feasibility of establishing (PERTS) technology, currently housed at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, in an effort to decrease Virginia's highway traffic volumes through shifting occupants to the passenger rail or transit. The Secretary must submit his report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Edwards

P SJ82

Private sector sponsorship funds on government websites. Requests the Secretary of Technology, in consultation with the Joint Commission on Technology and Science, to study and develop guidelines for the use of private sector sponsorship funds on government websites. The Secretary of Technology must submit his report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Newman

P SJ85

Paradise Creek. 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, a recreational area, and a wildlife preserve. The Department must submit its report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Quayle

P SJ87

State funding formula for educational technology and technology support personnel. Directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to recommend a state funding formula for educational technology and technology support personnel. In conducting this study, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission shall (i) seek to place few restrictions on local school divisions except that they adhere to their locally developed technology plans; (ii) examine the possibility of expanding the high school technology resource assistant initiative to include elementary, middle, and adult education schools, (iii) recognize the state share of the costs of support staff required to maintain equipment in schools that is necessary to meet the requirements of the Standards of Quality, other state law, or the Board of Education's regulations; (iv) evaluate the feasibility of support for teacher training, including the development of an online instructional and testing program to facilitate the achievement of technological competencies and assess such proficiencies; and (v) examine the integration of the technology replacement program into such formula. In addition, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission is requested to study ways to enhance the use of federal assistance for educational technology, such as continuation of the E-rate program and the implementation of state tax credits for businesses that contribute technology resources to schools. The Commission must submit its report to the Governor and the 2004 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Puller

P SJ91

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) the development of a water treatment process that consistently meets Virginia's 50 parts per trillion TBT discharge standard, (ii) additional methods for providing better training to and reducing turnover among shipyard workers, and (iii) promotion of Norfolk's piers as an original point of departure for cruise ships as a means of developing new business for Virginia's shipyard companies. The joint subcommittee must submit its written report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution is identical to HJR 69.
Patron - Norment

P SJ94

Hospital Bed Shortage for Mental Health Treatment. Directs the Joint Commission on Behavioral Health Care, in conjunction with the Joint Commission on Health Care, or their successors in interest, to study and recommend long-term solutions to the shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds and the adequacy of access to outpatient mental health treatment. The Commissions must submit their report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Martin

P SJ97

Certain mental health needs, training, and treatment issues and information or action by certain Secretaries and state agencies. Continues the study of certain mental health needs, training, and treatment issues, and requests certain Secretaries and state agencies to provide information or commence specific action related to such issues. The Secretariats and state agencies are requested to undertake studies or perform certain actions relating to (i) the evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment services provided to and needed by state responsible offenders, (ii) access to medications and the management of medications for released offenders, (iii) cross-training of law-enforcement officers, judges, jail and detention home staff, and community mental health treatment staff in security and treatment services, (iv) the development of a model court order that addresses mental health services, (v) ways to communicate information to offenders about innovative practices among providers of mental health and substance abuse treatment services, (vi) the accessibility to Medicaid benefits by eligible offenders immediately upon their release, (vii) the design and implementation of uniform mental health screening instrument for juvenile offenders admitted to secure detention facilities and the feasibility of implementing a uniform screening and interview process for pre-dispositional investigations. The resolution is the recommendation of the Committee Studying Treatment Options for Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders (SJR 440, 2001). The Joint Commission on Behavioral Health Care and the Virginia Commission on Youth, or their successors, must submit their report to the Governor and the 2004 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution incorporates SJR 83, SJR 84, SJR 95, SJR 96, SJR 100, and SJR 101, as amended, and is identical to HJR 142.
Patron - Martin

P SJ108

Suicide prevention. Directs the Joint Commission on Behavioral Health Care, or its successor in interest, in cooperation with the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services and the State Health Department, to develop a plan and strategy for suicide prevention in the Commonwealth. The Commission, or its successor in interest, must submit its report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Mims

P SJ110

Driver education programs. Requests the Department of Motor Vehicles, with the assistance of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, to study the adequacy of driver education programs available to youthful drivers. The study shall include, but not be limited to, an examination of the desirability and feasibility of incorporating driving simulators and related technologies into the driver training curricula of in-school programs and commercial driver training schools. The Department must report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Mims

P SJ111

Housing issues. Directs the Virginia Housing Study Commission, with the assistance of the Virginia Housing Development Authority and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, to study certain housing issues. Specifically, the Commission will examine (i) strategies for increasing homeownership opportunities in the Commonwealth among minorities and new immigrants, (ii) the desirability and feasibility of reimbursement of certain litigation-related expenses in certain condemnation cases, (iii) the feasibility and appropriateness of requiring warranties or some form of insurance on new building products introduced into the housing construction market, and (iv) enforcement of fair housing laws and regulations in Virginia. The Commission must report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Mims

P SJ116

Electricity generation facilities. Continues the study by the Legislative Transition Task Force, established under the Virginia Electric Utility Restructuring Act, concerning the procedures applicable to the construction of new electric generation facilities within the Commonwealth. The scope of the study will include an examination of the effects of emissions credit trading on the statewide cap on nitrous oxide emissions. The Task Force is directed to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Norment

P SJ117

Future of Virginia's Environment. Continues the Commission Studying the Future of Virginia's Environment. The Commission is directed 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. The Commission must submit its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution is identical to HJR 118.
Patron - Bolling

P SJ120

Standards of Quality. Requests the Board of Education to revise the Standards of Quality to ensure that these statutory standards are realistic vis-a-vis the Commonwealth's current educational needs and practices. The Board is requested to (i) examine the organization and details of the Standards of Quality in relation to other statutory law governing public education in Virginia, the Commonwealth's Appropriation Act, and the Board's regulations on school accreditation, (ii) identify current provisions of the Standards of Quality that would be more appropriately included in other law or regulation and vice versa; (iii) prescribe provisions that more accurately reflect the efforts of Virginia's school divisions; and (iv) identify any funding provided outside the Standards of Quality framework that might be used to provide part or all of the funding to support any such revised provisions. The Board must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Marye

P SJ128

Medicaid Buy-In opportunity. Requests the Department of Medical Assistance Services, in collaboration with the Department of Rehabilitative Services and the Department for the Rights of Virginians with Disabilities, or its successor in interest, to proceed with the development of Medicaid Buy-In opportunity for working Virginians with disabilities. Prior to implementation of a program, the Department of Medical Assistance Services is requested to conduct certain research, including surveying potential recipients, delineating financing for the program, and assessing the cost-effectiveness, availability of funding, and economic benefits. The Department of Medical Assistance Services must submit its report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution is identical to HJR 219.
Patron - Puller

Failed

F HJ14

Legislative Support Commission. Directs the Legislative Support Commission and other members from certain standing committees of the General Assembly to examine the educational activities, including Capitol tours, that take place in and around the Capitol for school groups, individual students, seniors, and other visitors.
Patron - Hamilton

F HJ15

Effect of terrorist attacks on insurance industry. Requests the Bureau of Insurance of the State Corporation Commission to study the effects of the events of September 11 and other terrorist acts on consumers, producers, and underwriters of insurance in the Commonwealth. The study is required to address the effect of the September 11 tragedies upon the cost and availability of various types of insurance in the Commonwealth and on the ability of Virginia insurers and self-insurers, including governmental entities, to obtain reinsurance for risks. It is also to address the ability of the existing insurance guaranty associations to address insurer insolvencies triggered by terrorist attacks, the likelihood that property and casualty insurance policies issued in Virginia will continue to provide coverage for losses resulting from terrorist acts, proposals pending in Congress that would provide for federal involvement in the reinsurance of risks associated with terrorist attacks, and the extent to which property and casualty insurance policies issued in Virginia should be required to insure against damage caused by terrorist acts.
Patron - Purkey

F HJ30

Effects on school enrollment of school vouchers and tuition tax credits and deductions. Establishes a 10-member joint subcommittee to study the effects of school vouchers and tuition tax credits and deductions on school enrollment. The joint subcommittee is authorized to accept contributions from any organization or individual in order to contract with a public entity to conduct a survey of parents, students, and, as necessary, other persons, across the Commonwealth to determine the potential effects of school vouchers and tuition tax credits and deductions on school enrollment.
Patron - Marshall, R.G.

F HJ43

Delivery of emergency medical services and emergency mental health services in the public schools of the Commonwealth. Directs the Joint Commission on Health Care to study emergency medical and mental health services in public schools. This bill directs attention to the components of the school crisis and emergency management plans to prevent, manage, and respond to critical events or emergencies in light of the present heightened sense of security and vulnerability. The bill also notes that the numbers and severity of school children's special health care needs have increased, including asthma, diabetes, technological dependence, behavioral and emotional disturbance, and other serious medical and mental health needs. The Joint Commission is directed to (i) review the delivery of emergency medical services and emergency mental health services in the public schools; (ii) evaluate the evolving need for nursing and mental health care in the public schools; (iii) evaluate the staffing patterns for school health providers, particularly school nurses and school psychologists; (iv) recommend the staffing patterns needed to result in the greatest benefits to and improvements in the physical and mental health of Virginia's school children; and (v) estimate the cost to the Commonwealth and the localities of any new staffing patterns.
Patron - O'Bannon

F HJ45

Arsenic risks associated with certain pressure-treated wood. Requests the Board and Commissioner of Health to study the arsenic risks associated with wood treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA), a pesticide. Many of the nation's outdoor wood structures are composed of CCA-treated wood; for example, decks, park benches, picnic tables, school and park playscapes, stadium bleachers, treehouses, boat decks, gazebos, and boardwalks. Recent studies indicate that the arsenic containing pesticide leaches out of the wood over time and weather exposure and that residue remains on the structure and contaminates the nearby soil. When CCA-treated wood is sawed or burned, arsenic is released and the risk of poisoning is enhanced. The symptoms of acute arsenic poisoning which can result in coma, convulsions, and death are known; however, as this resolution describes, there is an increased risk of cancer from low-dose, long-term exposure to arsenic. The Board and Commissioner of Health are directed to (i) examine the available studies relating to the arsenic risks from CCA-treated wood and other states' activities to prevent these risks; (ii) assess the arsenic risks from CCA-treated wood in the Commonwealth, e.g., from residue, burning, sawing, or otherwise; (iii) determine feasible and effective ways to publicize the safe handling of CCA-treated wood to minimize the arsenic risks; (iv) evaluate ways to inform the public about the long-term benefits of purchasing and building with products that do not contain arsenic; and (v) consider the efficacy of adding arsenic poisoning to the list of reportable diseases which, as authorized by § 32.1-35, may include exposure to toxic substances.
Patron - O'Bannon

F HJ46

Appointive powers of the Governor. Establishes a commission to examine the appointive powers of the Governor. The commission shall examine (i) the government as presently structured, (ii) the appointive and removal power of the Governor for each board, commission, council, or other governmental entity, (iii) the number of staggered terms versus the number of uniform terms, (iv) the average length of service of members appointed, (v) the confirmation process of the General Assembly, (vi) the appointive and removal power of the governor and the confirmation process in other states, and (vii) any other aspect of the appointive or confirmation process that would assist the commission in determining the proper balance of the executive prerogative. This resolution is incorporated into HJR 197.
Patron - Purkey

F HJ47

Study: Qualifications of boards of visitors. Creates a six-member joint subcommittee to study the feasibility and appropriateness of developing guidelines for appointments and terms for the governing boards of the Commonwealth's public institutions of higher education. In conducting the study, the joint subcommittee shall consider, among other things, appointment and term requirements for boards of visitors in other states; current training efforts for boards of visitors in the Commonwealth and other states; the recommendations of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education; and such other issues as it deems necessary. The joint subcommittee is to submit its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Purkey

F HJ49

Virginia Retirement System. Creates the Joint Subcommittee Studying the Virginia Retirement System. The joint subcommittee shall examine, in addition to such other issues it deems advisable, (i) the present benefit structure of the Virginia Retirement System; (ii) whether the benefits provided are competitive with other public and private sector entities; and (iii) whether members are prepared for retirement by ensuring that there is a basic understanding of benefits by members for retirement financial planning purposes.
Patron - Putney

F HJ51

Community health. Requests the Joint Commission on Health Care, in consultation with other stakeholders, to develop a plan for implementing a community-based health improvement initiative to enhance the health of Virginians.
Patron - Broman

F HJ59

Employment discrimination based on genetic information. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study employment discrimination based on genetic information. The joint subcommittee shall consider (i) the extent to which existing federal laws protect employees from employment discrimination based on genetic information; (ii) whether other states have enacted legislation to address employment discrimination based on genetic information; (iii) the extent to which employment discrimination based on genetic information occurs within the Commonwealth; and (iv) the impact of anti-discrimination legislation on employment practices and costs within the Commonwealth.
Patron - O'Bannon

F HJ61

Conflict of Interests Act. Establishes a joint subcommittee to examine the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act. In conducting its study, the joint subcommittee shall examine (i) the definitions of "personal interest in a transaction" and "personal interest in a contract", (ii) requirements for filing disclosure statements, (iii) rules regarding the disqualification of officials and employees from participating in a transaction when a conflict exists, and (iv) any other provision of the Act that needs clarification or revision to effectuate the original intent of the conflict laws. This resolution is incorporated into HJR 31.
Patron - McDonnell

F HJ62

Bail bond procedures. Directs the Crime Commission to conduct a study examining the feasibility of and methods of providing for a percentage bond payment to the court. This resolution is incorporated into HJR 201.
Patron - Howell

F HJ64

Study; persons with disabilities. Requests the Secretary of Health and Human Resources to convene a task force to develop a plan for persons with disabilities to implement the recommendations of the Olmstead decision. In the Olmstead decision, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the unnecessary segregation of individuals with disabilities in institutions may constitute discrimination based on disability, and that states may be required to provide community-based services rather than institutional placements for these individuals.
Patron - Hamilton

F HJ66

Sheriffs' staffing standards. Creates a joint subcommittee to study staffing standards for sheriffs' departments. This resolution incorporates HJR 220.
Patron - Cosgrove

F HJ67

Establishment of Battle of Great Bridge State Park. Requests the Department of Conservation and Recreation to study the feasibility of establishing a Battle of Great Bridge State Park. In conducting the study, the Department should determine the historical and cultural significance of the battlefield area, identify available funding sources for its preservation, evaluate the costs of establishing a state park at the location, and examine similar landmarks and parks to determine the most appropriate means for preserving the Battle of Great Bridge area.
Patron - Cosgrove

F HJ69

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) development of a water treatment process that consistently meets Virginia's 50 parts per trillion TBT discharge standard, (ii) additional methods for providing better training to and reducing turnover among shipyard workers, and (iii) promotion of Norfolk's piers as an original point of departure for cruise ships as a means of developing new business for Virginia's shipyard companies. The joint subcommittee must submit its written report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution was identical to SJR 91, as introduced.
Patron - Wardrup

F HJ70

Commissioners in chancery; commissioners of accounts. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the powers, duties, and fees of commissioners of accounts and commissioners in chancery. This resolution is incorporated into HJR 75.
Patron - Wardrup

F HJ72

Confidentiality of juvenile records. Directs the Virginia Commission on Youth to study the need for consistency in state laws governing the collection, dissemination, and disclosure of confidential juvenile records. In conducting its study, the Commission shall (i) identify and review current mandatory state and federal privacy, confidentiality, and disclosure laws; (ii) determine the circumstances under which disclosure laws supersede confidentiality laws; (iii) identify inconsistencies in state laws governing privacy, collection, dissemination, and disclosure of confidential juvenile records information; (iv) recommend appropriate and feasible changes to the Code of Virginia to clarify conflicts in state laws, while maintaining compliance with federal laws and regulations governing such areas; and (v) evaluate the need for standardized guidelines that protect the confidentiality of juvenile records during information sharing, while facilitating access to juvenile records by authorized persons and state and local agencies. The Virginia Commission on Youth must submit its written report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Hamilton

F HJ74

Needs of youth. Requests the Virginia Commission on Youth to identify all current state-funded initiatives that attempt to address the needs of our youth to enable them to become productive citizens and provide guidance on how to facilitate the coordination of existing services and programs, analyze the effectiveness of current efforts, and promote identification and implementation of successful initiatives.
Patron - McQuigg

F HJ75

Appointments by circuit courts. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study circuit courts' powers of appointment, and the powers, duties, and fees of commissioners of accounts and commissioners in chancery. In conducting the study, the joint subcommittee shall (i) prepare a comprehensive list of positions appointed by circuit court judges under various conditions and circumstances; (ii) determine whether circuit courts' appointive powers are appropriate for the judiciary and whether such appointive powers would be more appropriately the responsibility of another branch of government, such as the General Assembly or Governor; (iii) identify the potential conflicts of interest posed by such judicial appointments, and determine whether some judicial appointments are necessary; (iv) examine the role and duties of commissioners of accounts and commissioners in chancery throughout the Commonwealth; (v) assess the need for consistency in the duties of commissioners of accounts and in the duties of commissioners in chancery in the state; and (vi) ascertain the need for commissioners of accounts and commissioners in chancery, determine which powers can be appropriately delegated to them, review the fee structure for the services that they provide, and consider whether parameters should be established on the powers and duties that they perform. This resolution incorporates HJR 70.
Patron - Janis

F HJ84

Effectiveness of mental health and substance abuse treatment services for offenders. Requests the Secretary of Public Safety, in conjunction with the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and the Secretary of Administration, to develop a plan, including the estimated cost, for the collection of data on treatment services provided to and needed by state responsible offenders and for the evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment services. This study is a recommendation of the Committee Studying Treatment Options for Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders (SJR 440, 2001). This resolution is incorporated into HJR 142.
Patron - Albo

F HJ86

Faculty tenure practices. Requests the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study tenure practices at the Commonwealth's colleges and universities. In conducting the study, the Commission shall consider, among other things, the effect of tenure practices on college and university faculty productivity and on the quality of instruction and programming for undergraduates, any tenure studies conducted by the State Council of Higher Education, the ongoing implementation of post-tenure review in Virginia, tenure practices in other states' colleges and universities, the recommendations of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education, and related issues as the Commission deems appropriate.
Patron - Hargrove

F HJ87

Women-owned businesses. Requests JLARC to study the effectiveness of the Virginia Women's Business Advocate and the Women's Business Enterprise Programs in helping to eliminate barriers to the formation, financing, operation and growth of women-owned businesses within Virginia.
Patron - Baskerville

F HJ93

Bail bondsman. Directs the Virginia State Crime Commission to study the need for regulation, training and oversight of bail bondsman. This resolution is incorporated into HJR 20.
Patron - Howell

F HJ97

Responsibilities of the Department of Transportation and local governments for maintenance of roads in private developments, mass transit, and maintenance and construction of secondary roads. Creates an eight-member joint subcommittee to study (i) what level of responsibility the Department of Transportation should bear for the maintenance of roads in private developments and (ii) the desirability and feasibility of shifting the primary responsibility for mass transit programs in Northern Virginia from local governments to the Department of Transportation and shifting from the Department of Transportation to local governments the primary responsibility for construction and maintenance of secondary roads. This resolution is incorporated into HJR 211.
Patron - O'Brien

F HJ98

Higher education reporting requirements. Requests the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to examine the number, type, appropriateness, and use of reports required of the Commonwealth's public institutions of higher education. In conducting the study, the Commission shall consider, among other things, state-imposed reporting requirements in other states, federal reporting requirements, the recommendations of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education, and related issues as the Commission deems appropriate. The Commission shall complete its work no later than November 30, 2002, and shall submit its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - O'Brien

F HJ116

Mass transit. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study new approaches for moving people through mass transit and volunteer organizations. The subcommittee shall examine existing communications systems, how new and emerging technologies can be incorporated into those systems, how volunteer organizations can utilize such technology and the liability of volunteer organizations that offer transit services. It shall complete its work by November 30, 2002, and shall submit its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Purkey

F HJ120

Mental health and substance abuse assessment and treatment services for juveniles. Requests the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, and the Department of Criminal Justice Services to examine opportunities to leverage non-general fund sources of funding to meet the need for mental health and substance abuse assessment and treatment services accessible to juveniles, including those in local detention homes.
Patron - Tata

F HJ121

Uniform mental health screening and assessment. Requests the Department of Juvenile Justice to design and implement a uniform mental health screening instrument and interview process for juvenile offenders identified by probation officers as needing a mental health screening. This initiative is a recommendation of the Committee Studying Treatment Options for Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders (SJR 440, 2001). This resolution is incorporated into SJR 97.
Patron - Tata

F HJ123

Reimbursement for behavioral evaluations. Requests the Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits to examine and encourage continuing education of third party payers regarding adequate reimbursement for behavioral evaluations and ADHD and study the feasibility and appropriateness of expanding reimbursement for child evaluations to address an appropriate range of mental health services, including comprehensive assessment by clinical psychologists. In conducting the study, the Commission shall seek the input and expertise of child health and psychology professionals and shall address, among other things, the feasibility of providing reimbursements for child evaluative services without tying such reimbursement to a specific, final diagnosis. The Commission shall report its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. This bill is a recommendation of HJR 660 Joint Subcommittee to Investigate the Improper Prescription and Illegal Use and Diversion of Ritalin and OxyContin and to Study the Effects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on Student Performance.
Patron - Tata

F HJ125

Independent boards and commissions. Directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study the operations, practices and duties of the state's independent boards and commissions. This resolution is incorporated into HJR 159.
Patron - Amundson

F HJ129

Prescription drugs. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the feasibility of strengthening the Commonwealth's pharmacy purchasing power for state programs and using savings generated to create and fund a pharmacy benefits program for low-income and uninsured elderly persons. This resolution is incorporated into HJR 90.
Patron - Thomas

F HJ134

Direct entry midwives. Directs the Board of Health Professions to recommend to the General Assembly a regulatory system to establish the appropriate degree of regulation for direct entry midwives who primarily serve clients in out-patient settings.
Patron - Hamilton

F HJ136

Economic development programs that assist existing businesses within the Commonwealth. Creates a joint subcommittee to examine (i) what kinds of economic development programs currently exist that provide incentives to existing businesses within the Commonwealth, (ii) whether many existing businesses are leaving or contemplating leaving the Commonwealth and why; and (iii) what measures other states take, particularly those surrounding the Commonwealth, to retain their existing businesses and how successful the states are in such retention.
Patron - Purkey

F HJ137

Mistaken identity. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study mistaken identification in criminal cases.
Patron - Purkey

F HJ138

State police. Requests the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to conduct an organizational and management review of the Virginia Department of State Police.
Patron - Cox

F HJ139

Consolidation of cities in South Hampton Roads. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the feasibility of city consolidation in South Hampton Roads, including the Cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach. In conducting its study, the joint subcommittee shall examine the feasibility of consolidating the Cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach into a single city. The joint subcommittee shall examine other models whereby localities were consolidated into a single city that operates under the strong mayor/council form of government, and determine whether such a system, with a directly elected mayor, would be feasible in South Hampton Roads, to be phased in over a period of 10 to 20 years. The joint subcommittee shall further study the feasibility of permitting the consolidation of a particular city only upon a favorable vote by referendum in such city and the procedure by which the consolidation may go forward with fewer than five cities if the referendum was rejected in one or more cities. The joint subcommittee shall examine the feasibility of allowing the constitutional officers of each of the consolidating cities to retain their individual positions during an interim period of time or until the retirement of such an officer and shall further explore an efficient method of eventually transferring the duties of such officers to a single office for the consolidated city. Other issues to be examined by the joint subcommittee shall include (i) the method by which the individual debts and obligations of the consolidating cities shall become the debts and obligations of the consolidated city; (ii) the feasibility of providing for oversight by an outside entity of new local debt of the consolidating cities during the transition period between the time of voter approval of the consolidation and the actual consolidation; (iii) the means by which utility systems within the consolidating cities may be efficiently combined or coordinated so as to provide cost-effective and uninterrupted service to the region; (iv) the feasibility of phasing in a consolidated school system under the leadership of a single school board; and (v) whether an amendment to the Constitution of Virginia will be required in order to implement a proposed consolidation.
Patron - Joannou

F HJ140

Cross-training programs for criminal justice professionals and mental health providers. Requests the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, in conjunction with the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court, the Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Department of Juvenile Justice, to develop and make recommendations for implementing a curriculum for cross-training law enforcement officers, judges, jail and detention home staff, and community mental health treatment staff in security and treatment services. This study is the recommendation of the Committee Studying Treatment Options for Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders (SJR 440, 2001). This resolution is incorporated into HJR 142.
Patron - Weatherholtz

F HJ141

Access to medications and management of medications for offenders with mental illness. Requests the Department of Corrections and the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services to examine ways to ensure access by offenders to appropriate medications and management of medications when they are released from state correctional facilities. This study is a recommendation of the Committee Studying Treatment Options for Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders (SJR 440, 2001). This resolution is incorporated into HJR 142.
Patron - Weatherholtz

F HJ147

Commission on reform of educational leadership. Creates a two-year, 27-member commission to review, study and reform educational leadership. In conducting its study, the commission shall, among other things, (i) evaluate the policy environment for educational leadership; (ii) propose necessary statutory amendments or changes based on research, surveys, analysis and review of pertinent laws, guidelines, policies, regulations and practices; (iii) communicate regularly to the Board of Education any relevant findings with recommendations for needed regulatory action; and (iv) provide a forum for educational leaders to report to the commission the challenges of, and impact on, their work. This resolution is incorporated into HJR 20.
Patron - Dillard

F HJ149

Sunday hunting ban. Requests the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to study Virginia's Sunday hunting ban and determine whether such a ban is still appropriate. The Department, in conducting its study, is directed to review other states' laws on Sunday hunting, including any pending legislation that would end or limit such bans. The Department is to complete the study by November 30, 2002, and submit written findings to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Marshall, R.G.

F HJ150

Taxation of farm lands. Requests the Department of Taxation, with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to study the feasibility of replacing the current method of taxing real estate used for farming. In conducting the study, the Department is directed to review the current method for assessing taxes for farm real estate, and alternative methods for assessing taxes including the feasibility of replacing the current method with a tax on income produced by farms. This resolution is incorporated into HJR 60.
Patron - Marshall, R.G.

F HJ151

New home construction requirements to include wiring for certain telecommunications services. Requests the Department of Housing and Community Development to issue the written results of such a study to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Marshall, R.G.

F HJ152

Continuation of health insurance coverage. Directs the Joint Commission on Health Care to study measures to facilitate continuation of health insurance coverage. In conducting its study, the Joint Commission on Health Care shall consider the feasibility of a program whereby an employer that provides a health insurance benefit to an employee may be required to pay the amount of the health insurance benefit to an employee who has elected COBRA continuation of coverage under his former employer's health insurance plan, particularly in cases where coverage has been provided for chronic health conditions.
Patron - Marshall, R.G.

F HJ153

Concentration of growth, development and revitalization in transit station areas. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the concentration of growth, development and revitalization in transit station areas and along current and proposed rail lines and the means of overcoming obstacles to such growth, development and revitalization.
Patron - Marshall, R.G.

F HJ154

Governmental efficiency. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study and monitor all state agencies to ensure that they are operating as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible and that state agencies are eliminating unnecessary functions. This resolution is incorporated into HJR 159.
Patron - Marshall, R.G.

F HJ157

Commission on School Dropout Prevention. Establishes the Commission on School Dropout Prevention. In conducting its study, the Commission shall (i) review national and state data concerning school dropout and completion rates; (ii) consider school dropout prevention efforts of other states and other programs considered to be among the best practices to address the problem; (iii) evaluate the factors and issues associated with the problem of school dropout, including the effect of public policies, family violence and dysfunction, drug abuse, teen pregnancy and other health problems, suspensions and expulsions, teacher and parent expectations, school organization and structure, chronic absences, and economic exigency on school attendance and school completion rates; and (iv) such other issues as the Commission may deem appropriate. The Commission shall submit its written report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Hall

F HJ173

Indoor plumbing installation. Requesting the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, with assistance from the Virginia Housing Study Commission, to study the need for and make recommendations to foster the improvement of organizational infrastructure, outreach efforts, technical assistance, and construction services for indoor plumbing installation in the homes of those Virginians living without indoor plumbing.
Patron - Orrock

F HJ197

Appointive powers of the Governor. Establishes a commission to examine the appointive powers of the Governor. In conducting its study, the commission shall examine (i) the government as presently structured; (ii) the appointive and removal power of the Governor for each board, commission, council, or other governmental entity; (iii) the number of staggered terms versus the number of uniform terms; (iv) the average length of service of members appointed; (v) the confirmation process of the General Assembly; (vi) the appointive and removal power of the governor and the confirmation process in other states; and (vii) any other aspect of the appointive or confirmation process that would assist the commission in determining the proper balance of the executive prerogative. This resolution also provides that if the Governor fails to make one or more appointments by April 1, 2002, such appointments shall become vacancies to be appointed as follows: the Speaker of the House shall appoint to fill the first and third vacancies and the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections shall appoint to fill the second and fourth vacancies. The commission must submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution incorporates HJR 46.
Patron - Cole

F HJ204

Redistricting commission. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the desirability of creating a Virginia Redistricting Commission.
Patron - Moran

F HJ212

Toll-free local calling. Requests the State Corporation Commission to study the feasibility of toll-free calling in areas within the political boundaries of localities.
Patron - Janis

F HJ220

Sheriffs' staffing standards. Creates a joint subcommittee to study staffing standards for sheriffs' departments. This resolution is incorporated into HJR 66.
Patron - Ingram

F HJ244

DMV evaluation. Requests the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study the Department of Motor Vehicles, including but not limited to the Department's costs and expenses, its staffing and budget, the desirability and feasibility of funding its operation from the General Fund rather than through a special fund, its fee structure and the services it provides or could provide on a no-fee basis, its information processing systems and on-line computer interface with its customers, and the possibility for increased efficiency of operation as the result of restructuring and/or decentralization of operations.
Patron - Phillips

F SJ2

Automobile title service agents. Requests the Department of Motor Vehicles to study the appropriateness and feasibility of regulating automobile title service agents and requiring the use of private title service agents in transactions involving the transfer of vehicles titles.
Patron - Puller

F SJ13

Voluntary, universal preschool programs. Creates a legislative study committee to examine the feasibility and appropriateness of providing universal, voluntary education for four-year-olds in the public schools. The joint subcommittee shall consider, among other things, (i) the work and recommendations of the Commission on Early Childhood and Child Day Care Programs; (ii) the administration, implementation, and funding of the current program for at-risk four-year-olds; (iii) current participation levels by local school divisions; (iv) relevant federal laws and regulations relating to preschool education and development; and (v) other issues as it deems appropriate. The joint subcommittee shall complete its work by November 30, 2002, and submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. The Senate Rules Committee agreed to informally forward this resolution to the Commission on Educational Accountability for consideration during the 2002 interim session of the issues raised by the resolution.
Patron - Puller

F SJ32

Grandparents raising children. Establishes a joint subcommittee to examine the issue and problems associated with grandparents who take on the responsibility of raising their grandchildren rather than placing them in foster care.
Patron - Miller, Y.B.

F SJ36

Land takings. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study illegal and unethical land takings.
Patron - Miller, Y.B.

F SJ37

Redistricting and voting behavior. Directs the Division of Legislative Services, in consultation with the Center for Governmental Studies at the University of Virginia, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, and Virginia State University, to study the historical effect of redistricting on the voting behavior and candidate choice in the Commonwealth since the adoption of the 1902 Constitution. In conducting this study, the Division shall examine the history of (i) the redistricting process of Virginia, (ii) voter registration and turnout, (iii) voting trends, (iv) turnover rates and tenure of members, (v) demographics of voters and elected officials, and (vi) the competitiveness of districts. The Division shall review publications by academic researchers, state and local historians and archivists, teachers, and students on the redistricting process and its effects on voter behavior and candidate choice.
Patron - Miller, Y.B.

F SJ50

Licensing of public adjusters. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the licensing of public adjusters. Public adjusters investigate, negotiate, and provide advice to insured persons in their first-party claims arising under real or personal property insurance policies.
Patron - Byrne

F SJ53

F SJ54

Criminal history records check requirements. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study criminal history records check requirements for volunteer and service providers to vulnerable adults and children, with the goal of developing a uniform and consistent state policy in this area.
Patron - Ticer

F SJ62

Minority Certification Program. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the elimination of duplicative effort and requirements within the minority certification program administered by the Department of Minority Business Enterprise (DMBE). In the study, the joint subcommittee shall (i) review the minority certification process administered by the Department of Minority Business Enterprise, (ii) review efforts taken by other state agencies relating to the minority certification process, and (iii) determine whether there is unnecessary duplication of effort in the process.
Patron - Hanger

F SJ71

Sheriffs' staffing standards. Creates a joint subcommittee to study staffing standards for sheriffs' departments. This resolution is identical to HJR 66 and HJR 220. The Senate Rules Committee agreed to informally forward this resolution to the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Public Safety for consideration during the 2002 interim session of the issues raised by the resolution.
Patron - Blevins

F SJ75

Teacher recruitment and retention. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the recruitment and retention of classroom teachers. In conducting its study, the joint subcommittee shall project the number of classroom teachers needed in Virginia over the next 10 years by region and discipline; review the teacher education process and assess the need for change; evaluate the ability and progress of alternative teacher licensure paths to supply additional qualified teachers; identify the instructional staffing needs of rural and small school divisions and recommend appropriate strategies to address the shortage of teachers in these areas; assess recruitment and retention efforts among school divisions, particularly in rural and urban underserved areas; 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; address the issues associated with compensation of teachers; determine the adequacy of pre-service and in-service professional development of teachers; review and assess the recruitment and retention efforts of adjoining states for possible adaptation in Virginia; and, recommend ways to attract and retain an adequate supply of qualified teachers in Virginia. The Senate Rules Committee agreed to informally forward this resolution to the Commission on Educational Accountability for consideration during the 2002 interim session of the issues raised by the resolution.
Patron - Ruff

F SJ78

Appointments by circuit courts. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study circuit courts' powers of appointment. This resolution is identical to HJR 75, as introduced.
Patron - Hawkins

F SJ83

Model court order. Requests the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court to examine the feasibility of designing and implementing a model court order that addresses mental health services. This study is the recommendation of the Committee Studying Treatment Options for Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders (SJR 440, 2001). This resolution is incorporated into SJR 97.
Patron - Howell

F SJ84

Information-sharing about innovative practices among treatment providers. Requests the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services to explore ways to communicate information about innovative practices among providers of mental health and substance abuse treatment services to offenders. This study is a recommendation of the Committee Studying Treatment Options for Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders (SJR 440, 2001). This resolution is incorporated into SJR 97.
Patron - Howell

F SJ90

Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS). Directs the Joint Commission on Health Care, in cooperation with the Department of Medical Assistance Services, to review the regulatory, statutory, and administrative provisions of the (FAMIS) Program to determine how to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the program, and to increase enrollment. This is a recommendation of the Joint Commission on Health Care.
Patron - Bolling

F SJ93

State police. Requests the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to conduct an organizational and management review of the Virginia Department of State Police. This resolution is identical to HJR 138. The Senate Rules Committee agreed to informally forward this resolution to the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Public Safety for consideration during the 2002 interim session.
Patron - Stolle

F SJ95

F SJ96

F SJ100

Access to Medicaid benefits for offenders. Requests the Department of Medical Assistance Services, in conjunction with the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice, to examine ways to provide immediate access to Medicaid benefits for eligible offenders when they are released from prisons, jails, juvenile correctional centers or detention homes. This study is a recommendation of the Committee Studying Treatment Options for Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders (SJR 440, 2001). This resolution is incorporated into SJR 97.
Patron - Houck

F SJ101

F SJ104

F SJ124

Virginia's transportation programs. Establishes an eight-member joint subcommittee (assisted by a technical advisory committee appointed by the chairman of the joint subcommittee) to conduct a two-year study of the implementation of JLARC's recommendations on aspects of Virginia's transportation programs. This resolution is identical to HJR 211, as introduced.
Patron - Whipple

F SJ125

Noncontracting ancillary services providers. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study issues relating to noncontracting ancillary services providers. This resolution describes situations whereby a consumer receives services, primarily surgery, within a participating hospital from a participating physician and assumes that all services in this setting will be provided by participating providers. Frequently, although health carriers notify consumers that coverage may be limited in situations requiring specialty care or hospital services, consumers are surprised and chagrined to receive unexpectedly large bills from noncontracting providers. In conducting its study, the joint subcommittee must (i) examine the circumstances that result in the provision of services in participating facilities by noncontracting providers; (ii) determine the pervasiveness of these circumstances within the Commonwealth; (iii) research other states' laws regarding the issues; and (iv) evaluate potential solutions. In pursuing these directives, the joint subcommittee will seek input from consumers, employers, physicians, including hospital-based physicians, hospitals and health systems, health maintenance organizations, other managed care organizations, and health insurance companies, insurance brokers, medical and other health care associations, and the Office of The Managed Care Ombudsman within the Bureau of Insurance. The Senate Rules Committee agreed to informally forward this resolution to the Joint Commission on Health Care for consideration during the 2002 interim session of the issues raised by the resolution.
Patron - Ticer

Carried Over

C HJ24

Electronic communications infrastructure study. Requests the Department of Information Technology (DIT) to study broadening the electronic communication infrastructure across northern Virginia and report the findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 General Assembly. This resolution was continued to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly in the House Committee on Rules.
Patron - Marshall, R.G.

C HJ25

Electronic communications infrastructure study. Requests the Department of Information Technology (DIT) to study broadening the electronic communication infrastructure across the Commonwealth and report the findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 General Assembly. This resolution was continued to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly in the House Committee on Rules.
Patron - Marshall, R.G.

C HJ26

Electronic communications infrastructure study. Directs the Joint Commission on Technology and Science to study broadening the electronic communication infrastructure across the Commonwealth and report the findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 General Assembly. This resolution was continued to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly in the House Committee on Rules.
Patron - Marshall, R.G.

C HJ27

Electronic communications infrastructure study. Creates a joint legislative subcommittee to study broadening the electronic communication infrastructure across the Commonwealth and report the findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 General Assembly. This resolution was continued to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly in the House Committee on Rules.
Patron - Marshall, R.G.

C HJ28

Electronic communications infrastructure study. Creates a joint subcommittee to study broadening the electronic communication infrastructure across northern Virginia and report the findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 General Assembly. This resolution was continued to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly in the House Committee on Rules.
Patron - Marshall, R.G.

C HJ29

Electronic communications infrastructure study. Directs the Joint Commission on Technology and Science to study broadening the electronic communication infrastructure across northern Virginia and report the findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 General Assembly. This resolution was continued to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly in the House Committee on Rules.
Patron - Marshall, R.G.

C HJ42

Medicaid reimbursement. Directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study Medicaid reimbursement of physicians. The Commission's study shall include, but need not be limited to, an analysis of (i) the appropriateness of current reimbursement levels and methods of payment for the various physician specialties; (ii) how physician reimbursement in Virginia compares to that in other states; (iii) whether changes in the amount and method of reimbursement are needed to compensate physicians adequately for their services; and (iv) the estimated cost, if any, of any recommended changes in the amount of physician reimbursement. The Commission must complete its work and provide a preliminary report to the Governor and the chairmen of the Senate Committee on Finance, the House Committee on Appropriations, and the Joint Commission on Health Care by November 1, 2002. Thereafter, the Commission will submit its formal and written report to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution was continued to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly in the House Committee on Rules.
Patron - Bryant

C HJ65

Requesting the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to review certain subdivision street standards. Requests JLARC to review subdivision street standards and the consistency of the statewide application of those standards as they relate to the goal of increasing open space and providing low-impact development. This resolution was continued to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly in the House Committee on Rules.
Patron - Albo

C HJ78

Health Caregivers. Establishes a Joint Subcommittee on Health Caregivers to study the geographic and socioeconomic prevalence and financial impacts of health caregivers who misuse the finances of those for whom they care. This resolution was continued to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly in the House Committee on Rules.
Patron - Nutter

C HJ83

Waterfowl Blind Licensing Statutes. Requests that a joint subcommittee be established to study the waterfowl blind licensing statutes. In conducting its study, the subcommittee should consider how other states provide for the hunting of waterfowl in their public waters and recommend any changes to Virginia law that it deems appropriate to maximize waterfowling opportunities for all Virginians. This resolution was continued to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly in the House Committee on Rules.
Patron - Cox

C HJ85

Database of available inpatient psychiatric beds for children and adolescents. Requests the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, in conjunction with the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association and private providers, to study the feasibility of developing a web-based system for providing daily updated information on licensed and available acute psychiatric inpatient beds for children and adolescents. This study is a recommendation of the Committee Studying Treatment Options for Offenders with Mental Illness or Substance Abuse Disorders (SJR 440, 2001). This resolution was continued to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly in the House Committee on Rules.
Patron - Albo

C HJ135

Accounting reporting requirements. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study how the Commonwealth's financial accounting reporting standards relate to comparable standards implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This resolution was continued to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly in the House Committee on Rules.
Patron - Purkey

C HJ148

Stem cell research. Establishes a 17-member joint subcommittee to study the medical, ethical, and scientific issues relating to stem cell research conducted within the Commonwealth. The joint subcommittee must examine the medical, ethical and scientific policy implications of prohibiting the creation of embryos in vitro for any purpose other than bringing them to birth, and the criminalizing of the transfer of compensation, in cash or in-kind, to induce any person to donate sperm or eggs for any purpose other than procreation. The joint subcommittee will also study the efficacy of research using adult stem cells rather than embryonic stem cells. The work of the joint subcommittee must be completed by November 30, 2002, and a written report submitted to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution was continued to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly in the House Committee on Rules.
Patron - Marshall, R.G.

C HJ167

Construction, renovation and maintenance of local law enforcement facilities. Creates the Joint Subcommittee Studying Local Law Enforcement Construction, Renovation and Maintenance of local law enforcement facilities to review and evaluate the use of competitive federal, state and private grant funds awarded to local law enforcement departments to support construction, renovation and maintenance of police facilities. The joint subcommittee must submit its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. This resolution was continued to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly in the House Committee on Rules.
Patron - Melvin

C HJ203

Sex offenses against children. Directs the Virginia State Crime Commission to study all penalties for crimes involving sexual offenders and crimes against children. This resolution was continued to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly in the House Committee on Rules.
Patron - Albo

C HJ205

Biodiesel fuel. Requests the Secretary of Administration to study the feasibility of using biodiesel fuel in state-owned vehicles and equipment and recommend ways the Commonwealth could assist the private sector in the establishment of a biodiesel fuel refinery in Virginia. This resolution was continued to the 2003 Session of the General Assembly in the House Committee on Rules.
Patron - Pollard

C SJ11

Prevalence of Ritalin and other psychotropic drug prescriptions. Requests the Department of Health to conduct a study to determine the prevalence of prescription and use of Ritalin and other psychotropic medications among school-aged children in the Commonwealth. In conducting the study, the Department may contract for services with appropriate private research organizations with public health expertise. The Department shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly.
Patron - Miller, Y.B.

C SJ38

Medicaid reimbursement. Requests the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study Medicaid reimbursement of physicians. This resolution is identical to HJR 42, as introduced.
Patron - Bolling

C SJ60

Adoption. Establishes a joint subcommittee to study the adoption system in the Commonwealth.
Patron - Hanger

C SJ67

Sharing protected health information. Directs the Departments of Health, Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, Medical Assistance Services, and Social Services, in cooperation with the Office of the Attorney General, to develop a secure system for sharing protected health information. This resolution notes the prevalence of lead poisoning among children and that lead poisoning is preventable and yet, because it causes irreversible neurological damage, affects the functioning and health of children throughout their lives. The resolution states that lead poisoning prevention and other state activities relating to the prevention and control of disease and health care benefits require the sharing of patient data in order to track, treat, follow-up and provide services to affected persons, particularly children. The regulations promulgated pursuant to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 relating to standards for security and privacy of health information and the concerns these regulations are generating among state agencies are described. The Departments are directed to design the secure system for sharing data to authorize covered entities to disclose protected health information without consent or authorization from the patient and to comply with the requirements of the HIPAA regulations. They are also directed to examine the preemption rule within the HIPAA privacy regulations, which validates state laws that deal with reporting of certain matters, the exceptions to the consent rule and exceptions to the requirements for authorization and notice relating to public health activities, health oversight activities, and prevention of serious harm to as well as serious threats to the health and safety of individuals and the public at large. The feasibility of integrating a referral or notice procedure or network into the secure system must be examined. This resolution is a recommendation of the Joint Subcommittee Studying Lead-Poisoning Prevention.
Patron - Lambert

C SJ72

C SJ81

Survivor benefit for the health insurance credit program. Directs the Virginia Retirement System to study the feasibility, cost and impact of a survivor benefit for the health insurance credit program.
Patron - Newman

C SJ86

Criminal convictions. Creates a joint subcommittee to study the collateral consequences of criminal convictions. Some of these consequences are restrictions on voting, owning a gun, adopting a child, pursuing certain occupations, serving in the military, receiving public assistance, and receiving student loans
Patron - Maxwell

C SJ88

Public/private partnerships for innovations in school construction. Establishes a commission to study public/private partnerships for innovations in school construction. This 21-member commission will be charged with examining (i) the current Virginia law vis-a-vis the authority to enter into public/private partnerships for school construction, including contracts to benefit both parties relating to innovations in energy conservation, flexible building, design and building uses, leasing of facilities, and design-build contracts, and (ii) funding mechanisms for K-12 education and school construction in relationship to local governments' fiscal integrity and the constitutional restraints on local debt capacity.
Patron - Puller

C SJ98

Medicaid reimbursement. Requests Joint Legislative Audit and Review Council (JLARC) to review the Medicaid reimbursement rates for services provided to clients of community services boards to determine their adequacy and the need for regular adjustment. Prior to voting to continue the resolution to the 2003 Session, the Senate Rules Committee adopted amendments that would request the Department of Medical Assistance Services to conduct the review.
Patron - Martin

C SJ112

Construction, renovation and maintenance of local law-enforcement facilities. Creates the Joint Subcommittee Studying Local Law Enforcement Construction, Renovation and Maintenance of local law-enforcement facilities to review and evaluate the use of competitive federal, state and private grant funds awarded to local law-enforcement departments to support construction, renovation and maintenance of police facilities. This resolution is identical to HJR 157.
Patron - Lucas

C SJ113

Marriage and fatherhood. Establishes the Commonwealth Marriage and Parenting Skills Commission to promote marriage education in the schools, responsible fatherhood, and related family-strengthening measures.
Patron - Hanger

C SJ123

Interstate Route 81 reconstruction and widening. Establishes an 18-member advisory task force 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.
Patron - Hanger

C SJ127

Virginia's Home and Community Based Waiver Program. Requests the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC), the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, and the Department of Medical Assistance Services to study Virginia's Home and Community Based Services Waiver Program. The study group shall review and make recommendations to improve the program's policies, manuals, procedures and regulations, and the State Medicaid Plan to make them more responsive to consumers needs by utilizing external, expert input from other effective state programs, the Virginia Statewide Independent Council's CIRCLE report, 2001, and JLARC's interim report on the Department of Medical Assistance Services. Prior to voting to continue the resolution to the 2003 Session, the Senate Rules Committee adopted a substitute to limit the study to a JLARC review of the CIRCLE recommendations.
Patron - Puller

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