SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 50

(Senators Karnes, Maynard, Ashley, Boso, Leonhardt, Takubo, Beach, Facemire, Laird, Miller, Snyder and Williams)

[Originating in the Committee on Natural Resources; Reported on February 25, 2016]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the fiscal impact of permitting lineal ascendants and descendants of a landowner to hunt, trap and fish on such landowner’s property without obtaining a license.

Whereas, A great number of West Virginia residents and visitors enjoy participating in the recreational activities of hunting, trapping and fishing; and

            Whereas, West Virginia residents’ and nonresidents’ participation in these activities has a large impact on the West Virginia economy and the budget of the Division of Natural Resources; and

            Whereas, An estimated 2,744 residents and 2,398 nonresidents may take advantage of this benefit with an estimated $1 million decrease in combined lost license revenue and federal funds; and

Whereas, The division estimates that forty-three percent of all hunters and anglers currently do not purchase a hunting or fishing license, which calls into question whether legislation legally permitting ascendants and descendants of landowners to hunt, trap and fish without a license would have such a substantial fiscal impact; and

Whereas, The division will conduct a deer hunter survey in 2016 that will help answer questions about the number of residents and nonresidents who hunt on family land and the fiscal impact of permitting ascendants and descendants to hunt, trap and fish without a license; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the fiscal impact of permitting lineal ascendants and descendants of a landowner to hunt, trap and fish on such landowner’s property without obtaining a license; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2017, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with any drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.