FISCAL NOTE
FUND(S):
New Fund
Sources of Revenue:
Special Fund
Legislation creates:
A New Program,A New Fund
Fiscal Note Summary
Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.
"The purpose of this bill is to provide a premarital education option to applicants for marriage licenses, provide for minimum requirements concerning the provision of this education, to encourage marriage applicants to participate in premarital education by increased marriage license fees in its absence and to create a fund for purposes of administering the premarital education.
"
The Department estimates the cost associated with passage of this bill to be at least $35,000 for the development and maintenance of the website, as well as administrative costs associated with the review, processing and auditing of the grant applications and grantee performance with funds.
In 2010, there were 12,377 marriages in WV (unedited figure). A web search for information on the subject says that about half of all couples have some form of premarital counseling. In the first full year, the revenue generated from individuals not pursuing premarital education would generate $216,597 based on the 50% figure. The purpose of the bill is to increase premarital education, therefore, as this occurs, revenue will decrease.
Please note the Department will be unable to provide grant funding for the marriage education programs until such time as funding is generated in the Marriage education trust fund. The Department will at such time provide grant funding to such programs based on revenue received.
Fiscal Note Detail
| Effect of Proposal |
Fiscal Year |
2012
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
2013
Increase/Decrease
(use"-") |
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation) |
| 1. Estmated Total Cost |
0 |
35,000 |
35,000 |
| Personal Services |
0 |
35,000 |
35,000 |
| Current Expenses |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Repairs and Alterations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Assets |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Other |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| 2. Estimated Total Revenues |
0 |
216,597 |
216,597 |
Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):
Estimated costs associated with development and maintenance of website is $25,000 and $10,000 for administrative staff to review and process grant applications, and for auditing of the grantees use of funds.
Memorandum
Person submitting Fiscal Note: Michael J. Lewis, M.D., Ph.D.
Email Address: dhhrbudgetoffice@wv.gov