125th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 308 LR 188(01)
An Act Regarding the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
Sponsor: Rep. McKane of Newcastle
Committee: Marine Resources
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
FY 2010-11 FY 2011-12 FY 2012-13 Projections  FY 2013-14 Projections  FY 2014-15
Appropriations/Allocations
Other Special Revenue Funds ($162,316) ($55,433) ($55,433) $0 $0
Revenue
Other Special Revenue Funds ($188,824) ($730,230) ($936,520) $0 $0
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements
Decreases the number of civil violations.
A reduction in fines will decrease General Fund revenue by minor amounts.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This bill repeals the provisions of PL 2009, c. 559, An Act to Create a Saltwater Recreational Fishing Registry and creates a free registry within the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.  Revenues recognized from the fees assessed in PL 2009, c. 559 have been reversed.  Allocations included in PL 2009, c. 559 for costs associated with the registry have also been reversed.  The costs reversed in 2011-12 and 2012-13 equal costs above baseline and included within the Governor's Proposed 2012-2013 Biennial Budget.
The department has indicated that it will incur costs for computer programming, computer database usage and storage and supplies.  Since the bill includes language stating the department must administer the registry within existing budgeted resources, these costs have not been reflected in the fiscal note.  Additionally, any enforcement related to this registry would need to be performed by existing Marine Patrol Officers.  
The Department of Marine Resources currently has a contract with InforME which allows InforME to charge $2 per registration.  This bill does not allow InforME to charge registrants.  It is unclear whether the state would be required to pay the $2 or whether the contract could be amended by both parties.
The bill also requires the Commissioners of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Marine Resources to work with the State's congressional delegation to secure federal funding for the registry.