LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 7634 NOTE PREPARED: Jan 9, 2025
BILL NUMBER: HB 1417 BILL AMENDED:
SUBJECT: Prevention of Chronic Wasting Disease.
FIRST AUTHOR: Rep. Morris BILL STATUS: As Introduced
FIRST SPONSOR:
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State
XDEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the State Board
of Animal Health (BOAH) to establish a pilot program to combat chronic wasting disease in deer.
Effective Date: July 1, 2025.
Explanation of State Expenditures: The bill would increase workload and expenditures an indeterminate
amount from FY 2026 through FY 2033 for the DNR to collect and test DNA samples from wild deer and
the BOAH to issue permits. The Natural Resources Commission and the BOAH should be able adopt rules,
as allowed by the bill, using existing staffing and resources.
Additional Information: The pilot program requires the DNR to collect DNA samples from free-range white-
tailed deer to established genetic baselines. Costs for DNA testing will depend on the number of samples
tested and whether the DNR has the testing resources or would need to outsource the testing. If the DNR uses
outside resources, testing is likely to be about $75 per sample, based on the most recent professional services
contract between the BOAH and the North American Deer Registry, which lists a flat fee of $75 for each
sample tested and analyzed from captive herds.
The BOAH currently manages a CWD Registered Herd Program and a CWD Certified Herd Program (herd
status changes from a registered status to a certified status after 5 years of compliance). The bill requires the
BOAH to issue permits no later than February 1, 2026 (permits are valid one year). A permit would allow
a person to buy deer from an owner in the CWD Certified Herd Program.
Explanation of State Revenues: Revenue to the Captive Cervidae Programs Fund may increase from FY
2026 through FY 2033 for the sale of permits which would allow a person to buy a white-tailed deer from
an owner participating in the CWD Certified Herd Program. Permit fees may not exceed $500, and permits
are valid one year. Deer may be purchased February through April in each year of the pilot program. The
revenue will depend on the number permits sold. There are 61 CWD registered herds (not including pet
herds) and 195 CWD certified herds in the program.
HB 1417 1 Explanation of Local Expenditures:
Explanation of Local Revenues:
State Agencies Affected: Board of Animal Health; Department of Natural Resources; Natural Resources
Commission.
Local Agencies Affected:
Information Sources: Board of Animal Health;
https://www.in.gov/boah/files/October-2024-BOAH-meeting-materials.pdf;
https://www.in.gov/boah/files/Alt-CWD-Registered-Herd-Fact-Sheet-2023.pdf;
https://contracts.idoa.in.gov/idoacontractsweb/PUBLIC/0000000000000000000086784-000.pdf.
Fiscal Analyst: Heather Puletz, 317-234-9484.
HB 1417 2