FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 12, 2024
Time Requested: 01:54 PM
Agency: Natural Resources, WV Division of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
1678 Introduced SB242
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 volunteer firefighters from fees associated with hunting, fishing and trapping licenses. If this bill were to become law, volunteer firefighters certified by their fire chief would receive a waiver of fees associated with hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges. Out of the approximate 12,042 volunteer firefighters in West Virginia, we estimate at least 2,649 would take advantage of this benefit. The DNR estimates at least $117,998 of hunting and fishing license revenue will be lost due to providing these free privileges. Additionally, approximately $28,662 of Federal Aid reimbursement will be lost due to the reduction in hunter license sales. This would result in an expected grand total of $146,660 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
2024
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2025
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 0 0
Personal Services 0 32,200 32,200
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 -146,660 -146,660


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


Number of West Virginia Volunteer Firefighters 12,042 Compiled from www.firedepartment.net/directory/west-virginia Resident Participation Rate in Hunting and Fishing 22% US Fish and Wildlife Survey 2011 for WV Average license revenue per licensed resident $44.54 2020 WVDNR ELS License Sales Estimated number of WV Volunteer Firefighters that hunt and fish = 12,042 x 22% 2,649 Estimated license revenue loss = 2,649 X $44.54 $117,998 Federal Aid received per hunter $17 US Fish and Wildlife Service Resident participation rate in hunting 14% US Fish and Wildlife Survey 2011 for WV Estimated number of WV Volunteer Firefighters that hunt = 12,042 x 14% 1,686 Estimated loss of Federal Funds = 1,686 X $17 $28,662 Total loss revenue = $117,998 + $28,662 $146,660 Estimated salary plus benefits of 1 full time worker to process and maintain records of fee waivers $32,200 Estimated cost to reprogram Electronic License System $25,000



Memorandum


For this Fiscal Note the Agency has assumed that the intent of the legislation is to apply to West Virginia Residents only. As written, this legislation might apply to both resident and non-resident municipal volunteer firefighters and result in a substantially increased cost to the Agency. 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