FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 11, 2024
Time Requested: 09:16 PM
Agency: Natural Resources, WV Division of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
1117 Introduced HB4363
CBD Subject: Agriculture


FUND(S):

3200

Sources of Revenue:

Special Fund

Legislation creates:

Decreases Existing Revenue



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


The purpose of the bill is to allow an owner of Japanese quail (Coturnix and Button Quail) to keep them as pets without having to obtain a license for a private game farm. The fee for a private game farm is set in code at $10. In 2023, 15 records of game farm permits for the previous year specified Japanese Quail or Coturnix Quail. Therefore, the expected reduction in revenue is $150. This should have negligible fiscal impact on the agency.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2024
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2025
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 0 0
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 -150 -150


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


Number of permits for these wild birds in 2023 = 15 Fee for permit $10.00 Total loss of revenue = $150.00



Memorandum


The last sentence of this bill states: “Occasional sales of three or fewer quail in a calendar year do not qualify as "commercial purposes" as used in this section.” This would allow for the commercial sale of wildlife on a limited basis without first obtaining a license and would cause confusion. The lack of a required private game farm license would not absolve the owner of the quail from obtaining appropriate importation permits but may confuse potential owners and importers. This lack of a required license raises concerns over wild bird health and the potential for disease outbreak which could spread to native wild birds and domestic poultry production. For additional information concerning this fiscal note, please contact: Zack Brown 304-352-5126 zack.j.brown@wv.gov



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Amanda Morris
    Email Address: amanda.l.morris@wv.gov