FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: February 03, 2022
Time Requested: 10:30 AM
Agency: Natural Resources, WV Division of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
2210 Introduced HB4441
CBD Subject: Natural Resources


FUND(S):

3200

Sources of Revenue:

Special Fund

Legislation creates:

Increases Revenue From Existing Sources, Increases Existing Expenses



Fiscal Note Summary


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


The purpose of the proposed legislation is to create the Class M air rifle hunting stamp. This stamp would permit a hunter to use an air rifle during big game hunting seasons (deer, boar, turkey, and bear). The stamp would not be valid unless the hunter also had a valid base hunting license or was exempt from such license. The cost of the stamp is set at $8 for both residents and non-residents. In 2020 3.02% of all certified licensed hunters purchased the Class A1 pistol stamp and 0.75% purchased the additional muzzleloader privilege (Class RM and RRM). Since air rifles are generally more expensive than pistols, and closer in size to muzzleloaders, an expected purchase rate of 1% was assigned. This results in an estimated revenue increase of $16,656.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2022
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2023
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 2,500 0
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 2,500 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 16,656 16,656


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


Estimated 1% of licensed hunters may purchase the stamp = 1% 2020 estimated certified licensed hunters in West Virginia = 208,207 Estimated number of WV hunters that may purchase a Class M Stamp = 2,082 Proposed fee for Class M Stamp = $8 Estimated total revenue = $16,6,656 Reprogramming costs for adding a stamp to the electronic licensing systems (ELS) = $2,500



Memorandum


West Virginia DNR recommends that, if this bill passed, only the use of Pre-Charged Pneumatic air guns of at least .308 caliber be permitted to hunt big game.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Amanda Morris
    Email Address: amanda.l.morris@wv.gov