FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: February 24, 2017
Time Requested: 01:18 PM
Agency: Forestry, WV Division of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
1408 Introduced HB2690
CBD Subject: Boards and Commissions


FUND(S):



Sources of Revenue:

Special Fund

Legislation creates:

A New Program



Fiscal Note Summary


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


This bill as interpreted by the West Virginia Division of Forestry (WVDOF)will have minimal impact on the WVDOF. But if in fact the bill will require that All WVDOF Foresters are required to become Certified Foresters or a candidate Certified Forester the immediate impact will be $405/Forester x 58 =$23,490 and $40 after that every 3 years. The cost of enforcing the legislation would be minimal. The same impact will occur in the future as new Foresters are hired.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2017
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2018
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 0 0


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


See above and below



Memorandum


This bill is extremely contradictory as written and provides numerous what if scenarios. Such as the Society of American Foresters (SAF)has full control over the Certified Forester Program including application, dues, tracking and approval of continuing education credits. There is currently around 300 Registered Professional Foresters in WV which is implemented by the Board of Foresters while there is 38 Certified Foresters through SAF. The WVDOF has the education requirements required of both SAF and the Board for our employees. The WVDOF also has ethic requirements and discipline measures greater than either SAF or the Board and therefore should be exempt from both programs.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Gregory W. Cook WVRPF #223 CF #1376
    Email Address: greg.w.cook@wv.gov