FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 24, 2019
Time Requested: 01:26 PM
Agency: Natural Resources, WV Division of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
2628 Introduced HB2636
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 $109,483 of hunting and fishing license revenue will be lost due to providing these free privileges. Additionally, approximately $47,682 of Federal Aid reimbursement will be lost due to the reduction in hunter license sales. This would result in an expected grand total of $157,165 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
2019
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2020
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 62,200 32,200
Personal Services 0 32,200 32,200
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 30,000 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 -157,165 -157,165


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 West Virginia Average license revenue per licensed resident $41.33 2016 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 $41.33 = $109,483 Federal Aid received per hunter $18 US Fish and Wildlife Service Estimated loss of Federal Funds = 2,649 X $18 = $47,682 Total loss revenue = $114,251.37 + $47,682 = $157,165 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 $30,000



Memorandum


We have assumed that the intention of the bill is to only allow resident volunteer firefighters to be eligible. If non-resident volunteer firefighters are eligible then the estimated cost to the agency would increase substantially. By law, all hunters and anglers in West Virginia must be served by the agency’s wildlife and law enforcement programs, including those who are not paid license holders. Currently, the agency estimates that 43 percent of all hunters and anglers are exempt from purchasing a hunting or fishing license, thus placing the total financial responsibility for supporting wildlife and law enforcement programs on those who do purchase licenses. This bill would increase the number of sportsmen who will not purchase a license, thus increasing the financial responsibility on paid license holders for providing agency services to all. Finally, any reduction in paid license holders hurts the agency’s ability to secure federal aid revenues that are used to help keep license fees low for everyone. More free hunting and fishing license privileges for some must inevitably result in higher license fees for others, thereby reducing participation and economic impact from sportsman expenditures in the state. For additional information concerning this fiscal note, please contact: Zack Brown 304-558-2771 Ext 51841



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Jennifer Snow
    Email Address: jennifer.l.snow@wv.gov