FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: February 27, 2017
Time Requested: 01:42 PM
Agency: State Police, WV
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
1717 Introduced SB453
CBD Subject: State Personnel


FUND(S):

0453, 6505, 8741

Sources of Revenue:

General Fund,Special Fund,Other Fund 8741

Legislation creates:

Neither Program nor Fund



Fiscal Note Summary


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


The purpose of this legislation is to establish the classification of employees in the Forensic Laboratory of the West Virginia State Police. The total cost of this classification schedule is $303,986 for FY2018. The amount of funding General Revenue funding needed for this Senate Bill is $277,538 for the classification of the General Revenue Laboratory positions. All other positions are funded by Federal and State grants.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2017
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2018
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 303,986 0
Personal Services 0 301,536 0
Current Expenses 0 2,450 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 salaries from current employees and vacant positions were subtracted from the proposed salaries under the new classification system. Benefits and PEIA Reserve (Current Expense) costs are included in these estimates. Funding Analysis is as follows: 0453-00100 $249,591 0453-13000 $2,088 0453-89800 $25,859 6505-09900 $17,642 8741-00100 $8,806 Beyond FY2018 additional costs are unknown due to the unpredictability of future staffing within the West Virginia State Police Forensics Laboratory.



Memorandum


The number of backlogged cases at the WVSP Forensic Laboratory has increased dramatically over the last few years from 1,713 cases in February 2013 to 4,933 cases in June, 2016. The increased backlog is due to insufficient staffing, antiquated equipment and inability to retain experienced staff. Courts are now issuing Orders for results to be completed and subpoenas are issued to personnel to explain why the Court Orders were not adhered to. There were 887 court orders/expedited requests received in 2015. This alone makes up 18 percent of the backlog which equates to an extra, annual expenditure of $10,996,252 to West Virginia’s 55 counties in unnecessary Regional Jail fees. Conservatively, it estimated 25 percent of the backlog is associated with persons in the regional jail system awaiting trial which equates to $15,272,572 in unnecessary jail fees being charged to the county commissions. With crime rates increasing and the drug epidemic at a record high in the State, investigators need laboratory results as quickly as possible to move cases through the criminal justice system and reduce unnecessary costs. Since January 1, 2017 alone, 3 potential applicants withdrew their applications and one senior Drug ID analyst resigned to pursue opportunities elsewhere for higher salary, career progression, etc. A fully staffed (with career progression opportunities) and properly equipped forensic laboratory will reduce the amount of regional jail fees West Virginia’s 55 counties are currently paying. Furthermore, the entire judicial system will realize a benefit as the number of delayed and continued court cases will be reduced.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Connie E Gundy, Comptroller
    Email Address: connie.e.gundy@wvsp.gov