COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH
OVERSIGHT DIVISION
FISCAL NOTE
L.R. No.: 2886-01
Bill No.: SB 649
Subject: Invasive Species Council
Type: Original
Date: January 8, 2002
FISCAL SUMMARY
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2003 | FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on All State Funds |
$0 | $0 | $0 |
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2003 | FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on All Federal Funds |
$0 | $0 | $0 |
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2003 | FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| Local Government | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Numbers within parentheses: ( ) indicate costs or losses.
This fiscal note contains 5 pages.
ASSUMPTION
Officials from the Office of Administration (OA) did not respond to this fiscal note request. However, in response to a similar proposal from the 2001 session (SB 20), OA officials assumed the proposed legislation would have no fiscal impact on their agency.
Officials from the Department of Agriculture (AGR) assume this proposal would require a full-time Program Coordinator to administer the program and a half-time Clerk Typist III to provide the necessary clerical support. The Program Coordinator would be responsible for developing a comprehensive plan to address the effects of harmful invasive species in Missouri and control those species as determined by the Council. Additionally, officials from AGR assume this proposal duplicates existing authority given to the state entomologist and state veterinarian through Chapters 263 and 267, RSMo, for control and quarantine of harmful plant pests and animal diseases, respectively.
Officials from the Department of Transportation (DHT) assume the fiscal impact cannot be determined at this time due to the broad nature of the proposed legislation. DHT noted that additional office space and other equipment would be needed to comply with this proposal, but an exact estimate cannot be made at this time due to the broad nature of the proposal. DHT officials also note this proposal duplicates the federal Executive Order 13112 issued February 3, 1999 on invasive species.
Officials from the Department of Health (DOH) assume the only direct cost implication identified at this time is for the establishment of the Invasive Species Council. They assume the cost for the director's participation on a rotating basis is negligible. There are apparent potential future agency actions implied, but they are based upon a management plan yet to be developed to address invasive species yet to be identified.
Officials from the Department of Conservation (MDC) assume the proposal would appear to have fiscal impact on MDC funds as it would require noticeable staff time for service on the Council; writing, implementing and monitoring compliance with the management plan; and the involvement of numerous field staff to deal with species issues at the local level. Fiscal impact in staff time to accomplish all of these requirements is estimated at approximately $60,000 annually.
In a response to a previous similar proposal, officials from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) assume the Council would be responsible for determining the amount of resources necessary to complete the Invasive Species Management Plan and that the Council would request an appropriation for dedicated staffing. The Department assumes that the equivalent of a planner and an environmental specialist would be needed to assist the Council in
ASSUMPTION (continued)
developing recommendations for national cooperation in addressing invasive species, develop guidance to state agencies on prevention and control of invasive species, and facilitate development of a coordinated network among state agencies to document, evaluate and monitor impacts from invasive species on the economy, the environment and human health. The Department will support budget initiatives of the Council.
Depending on the recommendations the Council proposes in the management plan, DNR may need to request additional resources to implement these recommendations. The recommendations may require DNR to modify its sampling and monitoring activities, change its remediation practices, and modify the soil and water cost-share program.
Oversight assumes that the temporary staffing and administrative support that are to be provided to the Council by each participating agency can be absorbed. Additionally, if the Council needs dedicated staff then the Council may request appropriations for these staff members. Oversight assumes this would be accomplished during the normal budgetary process. Therefore, Oversight assumes the initial administrative impact of this proposal is $0.
According to the proposal, state agencies whose actions affect invasive species shall attempt to prevent further impacts of invasive species. Oversight assumes state agencies which act on recommendations of the Council would request appropriations through the normal budget process.
| FISCAL IMPACT - State Government | FY 2003
(10 Mo.) |
FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| $0 | $0 | $0 |
| FISCAL IMPACT - Local Government | FY 2003
(10 Mo.) |
FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
| $0 | $0 | $0 |
FISCAL IMPACT - Small Business
Small businesses providing goods or services to agencies could be required to certify that the products or the services they are providing are free of invasive species.
DESCRIPTION
The proposal creates an "Invasive Species Council," to be made up of the directors of the Departments of Agriculture, Conservation, Health, Natural Resources, and Transportation. The Council will be chaired by each director rotating on an annual basis. All member departments
shall provide temporary staffing and administrative support for the Council, and if the Council feels it is necessary, it may request appropriations for dedicated staff.
The Council shall establish an advisory committee by appointing members who represent stakeholders. The advisory committee shall recommend plans to achieve the goals of the state invasive species management plan. The Department of Conservation shall provide administrative and financial support for the advisory committee.
The Invasive Species Council shall prepare and issue a state invasive species management plan within 18 months of the effective date of the legislation. The management plan shall recommend performance-oriented goals and objectives and measures of success for state agency efforts regarding invasive species. The management plan shall be a five-year rolling plan, updated annually. The first edition of the plan shall review approaches for preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species, identify research needs, and recommend measures to minimize risks of invasive species introduction.
The Council shall also :
• oversee state agency activities in regard to invasive species;
• encourage planning and action to achieve goals of state management plan;
• develop recommendations for national cooperation;
• develop guidance to state agencies on prevention and control of invasive species;
• facilitate establishment of information-sharing system.
State agencies whose actions may affect invasive species shall to the extent practicable:
• identify actions affecting invasive species;
• prevent invasive species introduction;
• control populations of invasive species which cause or may cause economic or environmental damage or harm to human health;
• monitor invasive species populations;
• provide for native species restoration in ecosystems adversely affected by invasive species;
• conduct research and develop technologies to prevent introduction of invasive species;
• promote public education on invasive species;
• not take or authorize any action believed to cause or promote introduction or spread of invasive species, unless agency determines that the benefits of such actions clearly outweigh the potential harm.
Nothing in the proposal shall be construed to limit or override existing duties, powers or responsibilities of any state agency as may be provided by law with regard to invasive species.
DESCRIPTION (cont'd)
This legislation is not federally mandated, would not require additional capital improvements or rental space, but would duplicate existing authority.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Department of Agriculture
Department of Transportation
Department of Health
Department of Conservation
Not Responding:
Office of Administration
Department of Natural Resources
Mickey Wilson, CPA
Acting Director
January 8, 2002