NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

The LFC is only preparing FIRs on bills referred to the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Ways and Means Committee, the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. The chief clerks are responsible for preparing and issuing all other bill analyses.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Internet/Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Room 416 of the State Capitol Building.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Game and Fish (DGF)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of SCONC Amendments

The Senate Conservation Committee amendments to SB87 specify that funds raised from the sale of the elk enhancement permits would be used for programs and projects to "better manage" elk; and that funds would be used exclusively for elk restoration and management. Funds would no longer be used to "benefit" elk, nor for elk "preservation".

Synopsis of Bill

The bill proposes to create two elk enhancement permits to license the taking of two elk bulls to raise funds for programs and projects to benefit elk. One of the licenses would be auctioned off, and the second license would be drawn by lottery. Money collected from the issuance and sale of the elk enhancement permits would be credited to the game protection fund to be used for elk preservation, restoration and management.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The DGF estimates that approximately $100.0 to $150.0 would be generated for the game protection fund from the issuance and sale of the elk enhancement permits.

The game protection fund currently maintains an approximate $17 million cash balance.

RAE/gm