FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 25, 2024
Time Requested: 05:37 PM
Agency: Attorney General, WV
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
3063 Introduced HB5169
CBD Subject: Real and Personal Property


FUND(S):

Attorney General – General Fund

Sources of Revenue:

General Fund

Legislation creates:

Increases Existing Expenses



Fiscal Note Summary


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


This measure gives the Attorney General the discretion to bring a civil action directed at a “foreign government” or “foreign person,” as defined in the bill, that violates the bill’s terms regarding ownership of interests in WV real property and required divestment thereof. Although there is no requirement for such suit, any action taken pursuant to this measure would be a direct increase in expenses of the Office.



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 100,000 100,000 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 30,000 30,000 0


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


The numbers recorded above reflect the potential impact of this bill as generating multiple new investigations and civil actions to be conducted by the Attorney General’s Office. Depending on the number of cases filed, the cost to the State in terms of increased expenses could be considerable. However, such actions also bear the potential for some recovery in the form of fines, as reflected in the estimates of potential future revenue.



Memorandum


It appears that, if the bill secured complete compliance within the time period contemplated for compliance, the potential for new enforcement efforts would significantly decrease over time. Also, based on the bill’s language, it is unclear into which fund any recovered fines would be placed.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Curtis R. A. Capehart
    Email Address: curtis.r.a.capehart@wvago.gov