FISCAL NOTE



FUND(S):

3200

Sources of Revenue:

Special Fund

Legislation creates:

Neither Program nor Fund



Fiscal Note Summary


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


SB 399 creates a Class XS lifetime senior citizen’s hunting, fishing and trapping license. The one-time fee for the Class XS license will be $15. SB 399 will allow the Division of Natural Resources to capture $5.25 per senior annually in additional federal funding from reimbursement of federal excise taxes on sporting arms and ammunition. West Virginia’s senior sportsmen are currently paying these excise taxes but the funds are being distributed only to states that license senior sportsmen. The bill would exempt those currently 65 and older from payment of the license fee. The bill will increase revenue by $30,000 in the first full year and then by an increasing amount each year thereafter, peaking at $650,000 in 25-30 years.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2009
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2010
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 1,000 1,000
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 1,000 1,000
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 15,000 30,000


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


SB 399 creates a Class XS lifetime senior citizen’s hunting, fishing and trapping license. West Virginia seniors are currently exempt from the requirement to possess a hunting, fishing and trapping license. The one-time fee for the proposed Class XS license will be $15. SB 399 will allow the Division of Natural Resources to capture $5.25 per senior annually in additional federal funding from reimbursement of federal excise taxes on sporting arms and ammunition. West Virginia’s senior sportsmen are currently paying these excise taxes but the funds are being distributed only to states that license senior sportsmen. The bill would exempt those currently 65 and older from payment of the Class XS license fee. An estimated 5,000 sportsmen turn 65 years of age each year. 5,000 X $5.25=$26,250 in federal revenue. 5,000X$15=$75,000 in license fees which when invested yields $3,750 annually in investment income. $26,250+$3,750=$30,000 in annual revenue. The bill will increase DNR revenue by $30,000 in the first full year and then by an increasing amount each year for the next two to three decades as more sportsmen reach age 65. Revenues will peak 25 to 30 years from now at approximately $650,000 annually.



Memorandum






    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Steve Brown
    Email Address: stevebrown@wvdnr.gov