FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: January 12, 2024
Time Requested: 01:54 PM |
| Agency: |
Natural Resources, WV Division of |
|---|
| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 1678 |
Introduced |
SB242 |
|
|---|
| CBD Subject: |
Natural Resources |
|---|
|
FUND(S):
3200, 8707
Sources of Revenue:
Special Fund
Legislation creates:
Decreases Existing Revenue, Increases Existing Expenses
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
The purpose of this bill is to exempt volunteer firefighters from fees associated with hunting, fishing and trapping licenses. If this bill were to become law, volunteer firefighters certified by their fire chief would receive a waiver of fees associated with hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges.
Out of the approximate 12,042 volunteer firefighters in West Virginia, we estimate at least 2,649 would take advantage of this benefit. The DNR estimates at least $117,998 of hunting and fishing license revenue will be lost due to providing these free privileges. Additionally, approximately $28,662 of Federal Aid reimbursement will be lost due to the reduction in hunter license sales. This would result in an expected grand total of $146,660 in lost revenue each year.
Additional cost would be incurred as we anticipate that we would need to reprogram the Electronic License System and hire at least one permanent full-time worker to process the waivers created by this law.
The anticipated reduction in revenue will result in the need to reduce the number of Natural Resource Police Officers by at least 1 full time officer. It is anticipated that the amount of revenue reduction will increase greater than the rate of inflation as more people take advantage of the license fee waiver.
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 |
32,200 |
32,200 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
25,000 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
-146,660 |
-146,660 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
Number of West Virginia Volunteer Firefighters 12,042
Compiled from www.firedepartment.net/directory/west-virginia
Resident Participation Rate in Hunting and Fishing 22%
US Fish and Wildlife Survey 2011 for WV
Average license revenue per licensed resident $44.54
2020 WVDNR ELS License Sales
Estimated number of WV Volunteer Firefighters that hunt and fish = 12,042 x 22% 2,649
Estimated license revenue loss = 2,649 X $44.54 $117,998
Federal Aid received per hunter $17
US Fish and Wildlife Service
Resident participation rate in hunting 14%
US Fish and Wildlife Survey 2011 for WV
Estimated number of WV Volunteer Firefighters that hunt = 12,042 x 14% 1,686
Estimated loss of Federal Funds = 1,686 X $17 $28,662
Total loss revenue = $117,998 + $28,662 $146,660
Estimated salary plus benefits of 1 full time worker to process and maintain records of fee waivers $32,200
Estimated cost to reprogram Electronic License System $25,000
Memorandum
For this Fiscal Note the Agency has assumed that the intent of the legislation is to apply to West Virginia Residents only.
As written, this legislation might apply to both resident and non-resident municipal volunteer firefighters and result in a substantially increased cost to the Agency.
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