126th MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 297		LR 224(05)
	An Act To Require Forest Rangers To Be Trained in Order To Allow Them To Carry Firearms
	Fiscal Note for Senate Amendment " " to Committee Amendment "A"
	Sponsor: Sen. Sherman of Aroostook
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
			FY 2013-14	FY 2014-15	Projections  FY 2015-16	Projections  FY 2016-17
Net Cost (Savings)
	General Fund		$0	($61,639)	($88,358)	($4,732)
Appropriations/Allocations
	General Fund		$0	($61,639)	($88,358)	($4,732)
Fiscal Detail and Notes
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This amendment removes the requirement from the committee amendment that all forest rangers be armed. It allows the Director of the Bureau of Forestry under the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to appoint up to 9 people as armed conservation officers. The committee amendment had provided funding for guns and training for 74 forest rangers. Therefore, by funding only 9 instead of 74 this amendment will save $61,639 in fiscal year 2014-15, $88,358 in fiscal year 2015-16 and $4,732 in subsequent fiscal years.
	As amended, the bill includes General Fund appropriations in fiscal year 2014-15 of $14,804 for firearms and equipment and $10,376 for training and overtime for 9 armed conservation officers. The amendment also eliminates 9 Forest Ranger positions and creates 9 Conservation Officer positions at the same pay grade. The conservation officers will have the same powers and duties as forest rangers, as well as enforcement powers equivalent to a sheriff. Ongoing training costs in subsequent years is anticipated to be $1,655 annually.