STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS27231 / H0330
This bill will increase most license, tag, and permit fees for nonresidents, effective December 1, 2020. The
bill increases these nonresident fees to offset expected revenue decreases related to proposed rulemaking
authorizing the Commission to restrict nonresident participation by proclamation in general season big game
hunts to reduce hunter congestion. The increased fees in the bill are necessary to compensate for reduced
levels of nonresident participation, allowing the Commission to maintain a balanced budget that can support
existing services. The bill, in combination with the Commission's desired reduction in nonresident tags, will
improve management of nonresident participation and maintain quality, diverse general hunt opportunities for
residents. The last general nonresident fee increase in Idaho took place over ten years ago, on April 15, 2009.
The bill will implement a general 10% increase in the prices for nonresident items, with larger increases for big
game tags and related items such as archery and muzzleloader permits. The bill adjusts reduced rate licenses
for mentored juniors to a general 50% discount below the related adult item. The bill does not increase the cost
of nonresident wolf and Disabled American Veteran tags.
The effective date of this legislation is the beginning sales date for the 2021 licensing year, corresponding with
the license year in which the Commission is planning to limit nonresident tags.
FISCAL NOTE
This bill will not impact the state General Fund. The bill's increase in license fees for nonresidents is designed
to be revenue neutral to the dedicated license fund because increased fees are designed to offset reduced
nonresident participation in hunting and fishing in Idaho. Currently, license revenues depend heavily on
revenue from nonresident licenses and deer and elk tags with nonresident sale revenues comprising 57% of
Department license revenue for FY19. In the absence of the bill, the Department estimates that proposed
reduced nonresident participation will decrease revenue for the fish and game dedicated fund between
$5,400,000 and $9,000,000 annually. The amount of the fiscal impact to the dedicated fund will be determined
by the maximum participation level set by the Commission in proclamation.
There may be a reduction in set-aside account revenue of $20,000 to both the winterfeed and depredation control
accounts because increased prices likely will result in fewer tag sales and the set-aside is set by statute in terms
of fixed dollar amounts per tag sold. There is no estimated impact to the salmon/steelhead set-aside account
since this set-aside is set in statute as a percentage.
There may be a reduction in revenue the Department receives through the Wildlife and Sport Restoration
Program; (funds received from excise taxes established on firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing
equipment and motorboat and small engine fuels). Funds are distributed to states by a formula that includes the
number of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses sold in each state.
Contact:
Paul Kline
Department of Fish and Game
(208) 334-3771
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 01/16/2020, 9:25 AM
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 01/16/2020, 9:25 AM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 36-416