PESTICIDE FEE SUNSET EXTENSION H.B. 5581 (S-1):
FLOOR SUMMARY
House Bill 5581 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Sponsor: Representative Phil Potvin
House Committee: Appropriations
Senate Committee: Appropriations
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act by delaying the September 30, 2012, sunset date to September 30, 2015, for the collection of certain pesticide applicator regulation fees. The bill also would exempt from payment of these fees any person who is an honorably discharged veteran of the armed forces of the United States.
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would allow for the continuance of fee collection by the State for three-year application fees of $50 for private agricultural applicator certification and for private registered applicators. This would allow for the revenue from these funds—anticipated to total approximately $100,000 annually—to continue to be used within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's Pesticide and Plant Pest Management program appropriation for pesticide regulation for FY 2012-13 and through FY 2014-15. This revenue estimate does not factor in the bill's provision exempting veterans from paying fees. There are approximately 780,000 veterans living in the State (roughly 10.8% of the adult population) and it is not known how many would apply for pesticide applicator certification under this Act. These funds are reflected in FY 2012-13 appropriations for the Department and, if the sunset is not delayed, program support will be reduced.
Date Completed: 9-20-12 Fiscal Analyst: Bruce Baker
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.