FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 11, 2024
Time Requested: 10:20 PM
Agency: Natural Resources, WV Division of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
1132 Introduced HB4415
CBD Subject:


FUND(S):

3200, 8707

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 this bill is to allow honorably discharged armed forces veterans a 75% discount off the purchase of a lifetime hunting and fishing license. While it is unknown which option for lifetime license would be chosen, for the purposes of the calculations herein, it is assumed that eligible veterans would take advantage of the Class AB-L license (resident lifetime hunting, trapping, and fishing privileges). For the purpose of this fiscal note, we are estimating impacts to resident lifetime license sales. If nonresident veterans were provided this same discount the loss of revenue would be substantially greater. There are an estimated 130,536 resident West Virginia armed forces veterans. An estimated 13,067 of these individuals would be eligible for and may likely take advantage of this benefit. The fiscal impact of providing a 75% discount on lifetime hunting and fishing license products (assuming the individuals chose the Class AB-L license, regularly priced at $805) would equate to a loss of $603.75 per product sold. This totals to $7,889,201 in the first year. Because these individuals and future veteran members of the Armed Forces may also take advantage of the discount, losses to West Virginia DNR could equate to an additional $102,034 in lost license sales revenue per year after year 1.



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 -7,889,201 -102,034


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


Estimated number of Veterans in West Virginia = 130,536 Est. WV participation rate in hunting and/or fishing = 22% Est. number of licensable veterans who hunt and/or fish = 130,536 X 22% = 26,033 Est. number of eligible veterans who would purchase product = 50% of 26,033 = 13,067 Est. lifetime license revenue lost per licensed sportsman = $603.75 (Class AB-L price of $805 reduced by 75%) Est. first-year annual license revenue loss from 13,067 discounts = 13,067 X $603.75 = $7,789,201.25 Est. number of new resident armed forces veterans in West Virginia = 1,524 Est. eligible new resident veterans who would purchase product annually = (22% of 1524) 50% = 169 Est. recurring annual losses per eligible veteran purchasing product = $603.75x169 = $102,033.75



Memorandum


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