FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: February 15, 2023
Time Requested: 08:24 AM
Agency: Agriculture, WV Department of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
3563 Introduced HB3493
CBD Subject: Agriculture


FUND(S):

N/A

Sources of Revenue:

Other Fund N/A

Legislation creates:

Creates New Expense



Fiscal Note Summary


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


HB3493 would prohibit certain foreign entities from purchasing agricultural land in WV. Any expenses associated with the administration of this bill cannot be reasonably estimated at this time as the Department of Agriculture does not have data on how often such transfers requiring Department approval could occur in a fiscal year. There would be no effect on revenues.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2023
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2024
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):


The Department of Agriculture cannot reasonably estimate increased expenses at this time as the number of transfers of agricultural land requiring approval also cannot be estimated. It is anticipated that substantial cooperation with county clerks would be required which could also increase costs for county governments. No revenue is associated with this bill.



Memorandum


'Agricultural land' is not defined in the bill. The definition from 8A-12-11(c) under the Voluntary Farmland Protection Programs could be used (" A tract, or contiguous tracts of land, of any size, used or useable for agriculture, horticulture or grazing and includes all real property designated as wetlands that are part of a property used or useable as farmland.") The bill as drafted does not has any penalty or enforcement powers.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Laryssa Hoskins, on behalf of Alan Clemans, CFO
    Email Address: lhoskins@wvda.us