FISCAL NOTE
Date Requested: February 24, 2025
Time Requested: 02:01 PM |
| Agency: |
Natural Resources, WV Division of |
|---|
| CBD Number: |
Version: |
Bill Number: |
Resolution Number: |
| 2341 |
Introduced |
HB2836 |
|
|---|
| CBD Subject: |
Natural Resources |
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|
FUND(S):
Special
Sources of Revenue:
Special Fund
Legislation creates:
Creates New Program
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
The purpose of this bill is to establish a Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit and criteria that are overseen by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) Wildlife Resources Section (WRS).
For the WRS to oversee such permits according to the parameters set forth in the bill would require the WVDNR to create a new program under the WRS, Game Management Unit, hire new staff, and include an annual operating budget for an initial estimated expenditure of $545,037, followed by $467,417 annually. First year, initial equipment purchases include an estimated total of $299,280.
The proposed program cannot be funded from the Wildlife Resources License fund since these funds may only be used for activities that are for purchasers of hunting and fishing licenses. Additionally, Federal dollars from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Restoration Program, generated through the Pittman-Robertson Act, are ineligible for funding the proposed program.
Fiscal Note Detail
| Effect of Proposal |
Fiscal Year |
2025
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
2026
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation) |
| 1. Estmated Total Cost |
0 |
545,037 |
467,417 |
| Personal Services |
0 |
245,757 |
245,757 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
299,280 |
221,660 |
| Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
Salaries include:
โ Wildlife Veterinarian: $112,010.22 (fringe benefits included)
โ Wildlife Biologist 2: $79,637.73 (fringe benefits included)
โ Secretary 2: 54,108.70 (fringe benefits included)
Further, establishing the program would require an annual budget of $200,000 minimum (not including the above salaries and fringe benefits), as well as two vehicles (2 x $37,354.00 = $74,708), two cellular phones (2 @$780=$1560), vehicle operating costs (2 @ $0.67/mile x 15,000 miles annually= $20,100), and computers (2 @ $1,456 = $2,912).
The total cost to initiate this program under the above parameters equates to an initial estimated investment of $545,037 with $467,417 recurring annually.
Memorandum
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) has a longstanding policy that restricts wildlife rehabilitation to only those facilities permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that are engaged in the treatment of injured birds of prey (i.e., raptors) and other wild birds.
Wildlife rehabilitation activities fall outside the purview and mission of the WVDNR, as defined in Chapter 20 (ยง 20-2-1). WVDNR is charged with managing wildlife populations and their habitats for the benefit of West Virginia citizens. Administering a program that would allow for the rehabilitation of individual animals fails to meet the objectives of the agency, the needs of West Virginia citizens, and could lead to potentially serious human health and safety concerns through transmission of diseases and dangerous wildlife-human interactions.
A final issue with this bill is that there is no language to empower the Director to promulgate rules associated with the proposed new program.
For additional information concerning this fiscal note, please contact:
Zack Brown
zack.j.brown@wv.gov
304-352-5126
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Amanda Morris
Email Address: amanda.l.morris@wv.gov