Bill Text: WV SCR65 | 2021 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Requesting study on permitting primitive camping in certain areas of state-owned property
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 9-2)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-04-05 - Referred to Rules [SCR65 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2021-SCR65-Introduced.html
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 65
(By Senators Hamilton, Stover, Grady, Phillips, Roberts, Rucker, Smith, Sypolt, Woodrum, Jeffries, Stollings, and Woelfel)
[Originating in the Committee on Natural Resources; Reported on April 5, 2021]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the proposal of permitting primitive camping in secluded, remote areas of state-owned property managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. .
Whereas, “Primitive camping” means being without neighbors, electricity, running water, bathroom facilities, and, often times, cell service. Primitive camping requires a stamp with an annual fee to be set by the director; and
Whereas, The parks and recreation program within the State of West Virginia is an integral part of the state’s identity; and
Whereas, The parks and recreation program is vital to the tourism industry of this state; and
Whereas, The administration of the parks and recreation program in this state is entrusted to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, which has traditionally done so by regulations; and
Whereas, There have been bills proposed in recent sessions of the West Virginia Legislature to permit primitive camping in secluded, remote areas of state-owned property managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources; and
Whereas, Primitive camping generally means camping without electricity, running water, and bathroom facilities; and
Whereas, The enactment of such proposed legislation would likely have an impact on the revenue of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and/or other governmental entities; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the proposal of permitting primitive camping in secluded, remote areas of state-owned property managed by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2022, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, prepare the report, and draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.
