122nd MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 1933 LR 2854(01)
An Act To Maintain Standards for Consumers of Mechanical Services
Fiscal Note for Original Bill
Sponsor: President Edmonds of Cumberland
Committee: Business, Research and Economic Development
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
   
             
Fiscal Note
Potential current biennium cost increase - General Fund
Projections Projections
2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09
Appropriations/Allocations
Other Special Revenue Funds $0 $349,685 $355,962 $369,217
Revenue
Other Special Revenue Funds $0 $700,000 $0 $700,000
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements
Establishes new Class E crimes
This bill may increase the number of civil suits filed in the court system.
The collection of additional fines and filing fees may increase General Fund revenue by minor amounts.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This bill establishes the Heating, Cooling and Air Distribution Board within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation's Office of Licensing and Registration.  The Office of Licensing and Registration will require an Other Special Revenue Funds allocation of $349,685 in fiscal year 2006-07 to support the costs of one Clerk IV position and two Inspector positions as well as the per diem and all other expenses related to the operation of the Board.
The bill provides for the establishment of fees for purposes authorized in this legislation.  This fiscal note assumes the licensing  of 2,000 persons in fiscal year 2006-07 at the biennial fee cap of $350, which will result in $700,000 in dedicated revenues to the Board in fiscal year 2006-07.  Actual dedicated revenues from licensing fees will be higher or lower depending on the actual number of licensees.  A General Fund appropriation may be required if dedicated revenues received are not sufficient to support the operation of the Board.
Because sufficient dedicated funds will not be available to support the initial start-up and operating costs of the Board, this legislation could be amended to include language which directs the Office of Licensing and Registration within the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation to assess its Other Special Revenue Funds licensing programs in the amount of $150,000 and to transfer that amount to the Heating, Cooling and Air Distribution Board to support the initial start up costs by August 1, 2006. This language could also specify that these funds are to be paid back to the existing boards by June 30, 2007.  If this bill is not amended to include this language, a General Fund appropriation of $150,000 in fiscal year 2006-07 to the Office of Licensing and Registration will be required.