• Expand DNR authority to administer herd control seasons in all management units and eliminates the map identifying units as farm deer management units.
3. Finally this package involves modifications to the current Wisconsin Damage and Abatement Claims Program (WDACP):
• Modify the enrollment procedures for those currently participating in the WDACP.
• Modify the WDACP's harvest objective by shortening the time frame for meeting harvest requirements.
• Increases:
One expected impact is the increase in cost for law enforcement operations. Extra hunting days (Average 24 days for bow, 3 days for muzzleloaders, and 4 days for gun hunters) will equate into more days wardens will need to provide an active enforcement presence in the field. The additions of extra days for the 4 day December antlerless gun season will require 50% of the effort that is required for the enforcement of an October Zone T hunt ($16866). The additional archery and muzzleloader days will require law enforcement wardens to increase their regular daily efforts when they would not traditionally be enforcing deer seasons. This effort would be approximately 20% of the daily effort to enforce a December 4 day gun hunt (24 extra days X $843 =$20,239).
FISCAL IMPACT - Herd Control Seasons
Revenue Reductions:
With any Zone T season comes the reality that free permits mean the loss of revenue from Bonus permit sales in the units conducting the Zone T hunt and the loss of the $3 Hunter's Choice application fee. In 2000 this was estimated to be a loss of $688,800 (229,600 applicants X $3) in Hunter's Choice revenues and a loss of $4,411,600 (Non-Resident 22,100 X $20 & Resident 330,800 X $12) in the sale of Bonus permits based on 1999 figures.
Revenue reductions from the 1999 level of $6.1 million (when 451,000 bonus permits and 342,700 hunter's choice permits were sold) are anticipated to be similar to the 2000 estimate of $5,100,400. However, over time, it is anticipated that revenue from hunter's choice permit applications and bonus permits will be restored to some extent as efforts to control the deer herd take effect.
Revenue Increases:
Over the next five years, it is assumed that with the success of the new herd control seasons, the revenues from the sale of hunter's choice permits and bonus antlerless deer permits will increase. With less units participating in Zone T and Earn-a-buck hunts, free antlerless permits associated with the herd control seasons will be reduced, bonus permits will be sold and the hunter's choice application system will be in effect. The estimated loss of $5.1 million will be reduced to reflect a net gain. Based on a 6-year average, (1994 - 1999) 227,786 antlerless permits have been purchased annually by Wisconsin deer hunters, equating to a net annual revenue increase of $2.7 million (227,787 X$12). Hunter's choice permits over that same time period averaged a revenue increase of $890,490 per year (296,830 X $3). This will lead to a net annual decrease in revenue from 1999 levels of an estimated $1.5 million, although 1999 was an unusually high year because of the need to issue extra bonus permits for deer herd control purposes. Eventually however, if the proposed season framework changes are effective in reducing the herd to goal, the number of bonus permits each year that are available will decrease, and revenues will return to levels common in years prior to Zone T hunts, estimated $2,648,600 (Average of 1994-1995; Bonus: 139,000 X $12, Hunter's choice: 326,000 X $3).
Cost Reductions:
With the elimination of Hunter's Choice applications and decrease in Bonus permit sales, the amount of administrative costs to the Bureau of Customer Service and Licensing associated with printing, postage, freight, supplies and services, and DNR employee wages and fringes will be reduced. Costs associated with the issuance of bonus permits at ALIS terminal (materials and transaction fees) will also be reduced.
Currently, approximately 1/4 of the cost associated with the implementation of Zone T hunts is connected to the mailing of Zone T permits to individuals purchasing hunting licenses prior to May 1. By applying the formula and not going before the Board with a Secretary Order followed by Public Hearings, the Department could make the determination of which units would be in a Zone T or Earn-a-buck season prior to March 31 when licenses first become available. This would eliminate the need for a special mailing.
Also, by establishing a formula to determine whether a unit would fall into a herd control season (Zone T or Earn-a-Buck) would eliminate the need to conduct public hearings. The elimination of public hearings would mean a significant reduction in the amount of staff resources and funds spent advertising and conducting these meetings.
Cost Increases:
Zone T:
One expected impact is the increase in cost for law enforcement operations. The extra 4 day antlerless season will equate into more days wardens will need to provide an active enforcement presence in the field. We assume that the deer herd control hunts will bring with them typical firearm deer season complaints from landowners. hunters and other enforcement agencies, and accidents. These hunts will impact no less than 120 wardens that work in management units open during this firearm season (based on 2000 Zone T estimates in which 99 units held a Zone T hunt). October is not usually a major opening. Therefore, the opening will conflict with work schedules in approximately 25% of the wardens affected. To provide satisfactory coverage to the affected areas, an additional 1200 hours of enforcement will be required (120 wardens X 25% X 4 days X 10 hours per day). An additional 600 hours of special conservation warden time will be extended during the October hunt (figures based on 50% of the totals from 2000 Zone T). The cost for the additional coverage above what is normally present during this 4 day period will include: $23,412 ($19.51 X 1200 hrs.) in permanent salary and fringe, $6,000 in special warden LTE cost, and $4,320 in travel expenses.
Earn-A-Buck:
There will be increased costs with the implementation of an earn-a-buck season, which include a slight increase in the cost of registration materials and increased staff time associated with education of hunters regarding the new regulations.
Another expected increase involves law enforcement. The earn-a-buck season will follow the same season format as a Zone T unit. This means that the costs will be similar to those described under the Zone T section above. However, due to the addition of regulations relating to the harvest of antlered deer and transportation of those animals, and the regulation of a hunt that is relatively new to many of Wisconsin's hunters, it is suggested that the warden workload will increase by 20% in those units conducting a Zone T hunt. It is not expected that 99 units will be in an earn-a-buck season in the same year, due to the formula and past history of Zone T success. These estimates are based on half the number of units as listed above therefore, it is estimated that 49 units will be affected corresponding to 60 wardens ((60 wardens X 25% X 4 days X 10 hours per day) X 20%). Based on this information an additional 720 hours of enforcement and 360 hours of special warden enforcement would equate to $14,047 ($19.51 X 720 hrs.) in permanent salary and fringe, $3,600 in special warden LTE cost, and $2,592 in travel expenses.
In addition, the eam-a-buck regulations and enforcement will equate to a 20% increase in effort during the regular bow, gun, and muzzleloader seasons (Gun Season (Traditional and December) $26,142+ Archery and Muzzle loader $39,454 =$65,596).
FISCAL IMPACT - Modifications to the Wisconsin Damage and Abatement Claims Program.
Cost Reduction:
Since more deer will be removed earlier in the year prior to the damaging of crops, claims costs are expected to be reduced. There may be short term increase in administrative cost for the WDACP and WDNR Bureau of Wildlife personnel, as the number of shooting permits issued will likely increase, but this should be offset fiscally with the decrease in payments. Also offsetting the temporary administrative increase is the length of time spent conducting farm visits by WDACP staff will be lessened, since they will not need to verify damage levels.
Notice of Hearing
Regulation and Licensing
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to authority vested in the Department of Regulation and Licensing in ss. 227.11 (2) and 440.974, Stats., and interpreting ss. 440.972 and 440.973, Stats., the Department of Regulation and Licensing will hold a public hearing at the time and place indicated below to consider an order to amend ss. RL 133.01 (3), 133.02 (1) and 135.02 (1) (b), relating to home inspector examination and continuing education requirements.
Hearing Information
The public hearing will be held as follows:
Date & Time Location
November 13, 2000 Room 179A
Monday 1400 East Washington Ave.
11:00 a.m. MADISON, WI
Written Comments
Interested persons are invited to present information at the hearing. Persons appearing may make an oral presentation, but are urged to submit facts, opinions and argument in writing as well. Facts, opinions and argument may also be submitted in writing without a personal appearance by mail addressed to the Department of Regulation and Licensing, Office of Administrative Rules, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, Wisconsin 53708. Written comments must be received by Monday, November 20, 2000 to be included in the record of rule-making proceedings.
Analysis Prepared by the Dept. of Regulation and Licensing
Statutes authorizing promulgation: ss. 227.11 (2) and 440.974
Statutes interpreted: ss. 440.972 and 440.973
Section RL 133.01 (3) is amended to state that the home inspector examination to be administered after January 1, 2001, will consist of two parts. Part I will consist of an examination on the Wisconsin statutes and administrative rules that relate to the practice of home inspection. Part II will consist of an examination relating to the principles and procedures relating to the practice of home inspection.
Section RL 133.02 (1) is amended to state that the Department determines the passing grade on Part I of the examination by using subject matter experts and following procedures outlined in the rule. This is the case, because the Department prepares Part I of the examination. However, since the Department may prepare Part II of the examination or may simply approve an examination prepared by a testing agency, the Department may determine the passing score for Part II by either using the procedures for Part I of the examination or by accepting the passing score recommendations of the testing agency.
Section RL 135.02 (1) is amended to remove “classroom" from the definition of “hour," as that term relates to continuing education programs and courses. This change will avoid a conclusion that was unintended when the current rule was drafted, that is that distance learning courses will not satisfy the continuing education requirements.
These proposed rules were developed with the advice and counsel of an advisory committee created pursuant to 1997 Wis. Act 81 and consisting of 6 home inspectors and 3 public members.
Text of Rule
SECTION 1. RL 133.01 (3) is amended to read:
RL 133.01 (3) On or after January 1, 2001, the department shall prepare and or approve the required examination a 2-part examination. Part I shall consist of an examination relating to the Wisconsin statutes and administrative rules that relate to the practice of home inspection. Part II shall consist of an examination relating to the principles and procedures that relate to the practice of home inspection.
SECTION 2. RL 133.02 (1) is amended to read:
RL 133.02 (1) To pass each examination part the applicant shall receive a grade determined by the department to represent the minimum competence to practice. The department shall determine the passing grade for part II of the examination after consultation with subject matter experts who have reviewed a representative sample of the examination questions and available candidate performance statistics, and shall set the passing grade for the examination at that point which represents minimum acceptable competence in the profession. The department shall determine the passing grade for Part II of the examination in the same manner as for Part I or the department may accept the passing grade recommendation of a testing agency whose examination has been approved by the department.
SECTION 3. RL 135.02 (1) (b) is amended to read:
RL 135.02 (1) (b) “Hour" means 50 minutes of classroom instruction.
Fiscal Estimate
1. The anticipated fiscal effect on the fiscal liability and revenues of any local unit of government of the proposed rule is: $0.00.
2. The projected anticipated state fiscal effect during the current biennium of the proposed rule is: $0.00.
3. The projected net annualized fiscal impact on state funds of the proposed rule is: $0.00.
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
These proposed rules will be reviewed by the Department through its Small Business Review Advisory Committee to determine whether there will be an economic impact on a substantial number of small businesses, as defined in s. 227.114 (1) (a), Stats.
Copies of Rule and Contact Information
Copies of this proposed rule are available without cost upon request to:
Pamela Haack
Dept. of Regulation and Licensing
Office of Administrative Rules
1400 East Washington Ave., Room 171
P.O. Box 8935
Madison, WI 53708
Telephone: (608) 266-0495
Notice of Hearing
Veterinary Examining Board
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to authority vested in the Veterinary Examining Board in ss. 15.08 (5) (b), 227.11 (2) and 453.03 (1), Stats., and interpreting s. 453.065, Stats., Veterinary Examining Board will hold a public hearing at the time and place indicated below to consider an order to renumber and amend s. VE 3.05 (1); to amend ss. VE 2.03 (1), 3.02 (2), 3.03 (intro.), 4.01 (4) (b) and 5.03 (1) (d); and to create ss. VE 2.01 (1m) and 3.05 (1) (b), relating to the computerized veterinary examination.
Hearing Information
The public hearing will be held as follows:
Date & Time Location
November 27, 2000 Room 179A
Monday 1400 East Washington Ave.
11:15 a.m. MADISON, WI
Written Comments
