FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: January 16, 2023
Time Requested: 12:56 PM |
| Agency: |
Natural Resources, WV Division of |
|---|
| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 2023 |
Introduced |
HB2556 |
|
|---|
| 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 military retirees and West Virginia National Guard retirees from fees associated with hunting, fishing and trapping licenses. If this bill were to become law, military retirees and National Guard retirees who presented documentation of military service and retirement would receive a waiver of fees associated with hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges.
Out of the approximate 11,135 military retirees and West Virginia National Guard retirees in West Virginia, the Division of Natural Resources (DNR) estimates at least 2,450 would take advantage of this benefit. The DNR estimates at least $109,110 of hunting and fishing license revenue will be lost due to providing these free privileges. Additionally, approximately $26,503 of Federal Aid reimbursement will be lost due to the reduction in hunter license sales. This would result in an expected grand total of $135,613 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 |
2023
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
2024
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation) |
| 1. Estmated Total Cost |
0 |
47,200 |
32,200 |
| Personal Services |
0 |
32,200 |
32,200 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
15,000 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
-135,613 |
-135,613 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
Number of Retired Military personnel 10,992 https://actuary.defense.gov
Est. Guard retirees (11 in 2020 x (avg. life 72.8-60 y.o. retire age)) 143 https://www.dvidshub.net
Total military retirees and national guard retirees (10,992 + 143) 11,135
Est. participation rate in hunting/fishing in WV 22% US Fish and Wildlife Survey 2011
Est. WV Military/National Guard retiree hunter-anglers (11,135 x 22%)
2,450
Total revenue from resident license sales (2021) $8,415,969 WVDNR ELS 2021 license sale
Average revenue per license $44.54
Estimated license revenue loss (2,450 x $44.54) $109,110
Federal aid received per hunter $17
Resident participation rate in hunting 14% US Fish and Wildlife Survey 2011
Estimated WV Military & National Guard retiree hunters (11,135 x 14%)
1,559
Estimated loss of Federal Funds (1,559 X $17) $26,503
Total loss revenue ($109,110 + $26,501) $135,613
Salary and benefits to process waivers $32,200
Reprogram ELS $25,000
Memorandum
For additional information concerning this fiscal note, please contact:
Zack Brown
zack.j.brown@wv.gov
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Amanda Morris
Email Address: amanda.l.morris@wv.gov