FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: January 14, 2023
Time Requested: 02:51 PM |
| Agency: |
Natural Resources, WV Division of |
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| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 1626 |
Introduced |
HB2296 |
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|---|
| CBD Subject: |
|
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FUND(S):
3200
Sources of Revenue:
Special Fund
Legislation creates:
Decreases Existing Revenue, Creates New Expense
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
The stated purpose of this bill is to require that all hunting and fishing licenses and permits be valid for one year starting with, and lasting through, the last day of the month in which the licensee was born.
Currently hunting and fishing licenses and permits are valid from the date of purchase and last through the end of the calendar year.
This bill is projected to have a permanent negative effect on licensing revenues in the amount of $661,170 per year. In addition, it will require an additional investment in the first year in the amount of $25,000 to reprogram the electronic licensing system.
The result would be a significant decrease in the level of services within the Division of Natural Resources, including Law Enforcement, Wildlife Resources Section, and Administration.
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 |
25,000 |
0 |
| Personal Services |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
25,000 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
-661,170 |
661,170 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
The loss in annual revenue is based on a 2015 study by the State of California that surveyed states that had switched to 365-day license (valid from date of sale) and found a 10 to 30% loss in sales in the 3-years following conversion. Based on the Division of Natural Resource’s 2021 license sales, this would result in an estimated decrease of $661,170 per year.
Once the costs of modifying the electronic license system, $25,000 are included, the first year estimated costs would be $686,170.
Memorandum
This bill has defects in its language as to the length of time the license would be valid.
As written the license does not become valid till the last day of the month the person was born.
As written, this bill would require a person who was born in December to buy their hunting license for the following year before the end of December of the current year. Otherwise the license would not be valid until the end of December of the following year.
Having expiration dates at the end of birth months would cause confusion for license holders and potentially result in greater hunting and fishing violations.
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