LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 6054 NOTE PREPARED: Jan 30, 2025
BILL NUMBER: SB 121 BILL AMENDED: Jan 28, 2025
SUBJECT: Restrictions on Using Nets or Traps for Minnows.
FIRST AUTHOR: Sen. Deery BILL STATUS: As Passed Senate
FIRST SPONSOR: Rep. Goss-Reaves
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State
XDEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: The bill prohibits the use of specific devices to take minnows from a waterway
unless certain conditions are met. It provides an exemption for bait dealers and individuals with a scientific
purposes license.
The bill requires, not later than July 1, 2030, that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) submit a
report to Legislative Council regarding Sugar Creek's environmental condition and the status of the fish and
wildlife population at Sugar Creek.
Effective Date: July 1, 2025.
Explanation of State Expenditures: The bill could minimally increase workload for the DNR to submit a
report by July 1, 2030 and for the DNR's Law Enforcement Division to enforce the provisions of the bill, but
should be able to be implemented using existing staffing and resources.
Explanation of State Revenues: Revenue could increase to the Conservation Officers Fish and Wildlife
Fund if a person violates the bill’s provisions and is assessed a fine. Revenue could also minimally increase
to the Fish and Wildlife Fund if a person chose to obtain a bait dealers license for $20 to avoid the
restrictions in the bill, which do not apply to a bait dealer licensed by the DNR. (The scientific purposes
license is only available to certain qualified individuals.)
Penalty Provision: A person who violates a fish and wildlife law, unless otherwise specified, commits a
Class C infraction. It is a Class C misdemeanor if the violation is knowing or intentional. If additional court
cases occur and fines are collected, revenue to both the Common School Fund (from fines) and the state
General Fund (from court fees) would increase. The maximum fine for a Class C infraction or a Class C
misdemeanor is $500. The total fee revenue per case would range between between $85.50 and $138. The
amount of court fees deposited will vary depending on whether the case is filed in a court of record or a
municipal court. The following linked document describes the fees and distribution of the revenue: Court
fees imposed in criminal, juvenile, and civil violation cases.
SB 121 1 Explanation of Local Expenditures: Penalty Provision: A Class C misdemeanor is punishable by up to 60
days in jail.
Explanation of Local Revenues: Penalty Provision: If additional court actions occur and a judgement or
guilty verdict is entered, more revenue will be collected by certain local units. If the case is filed in a court
of record, the county will receive $33.90 to $47.40, and qualifying municipalities will receive a share of
$2.10 to $3.60, depending on whether the offense is an infraction or a misdemeanor. If the case is filed in
a municipal court, the county receives $20 to $30, and the municipality will receive $33.50 to $46. The
following linked document describes the fees and distribution of the revenue: Court fees imposed in criminal,
juvenile, and civil violation cases.
State Agencies Affected: Department of Natural Resources.
Local Agencies Affected: Trial courts, local law enforcement agencies.
Information Sources: State Form 3071 (R10 / 6-22), Application for Indiana Bait Dealer’s License;
State Form 51815 (R2 / 6-13), Application for Special Purposes Educational Permit;
Indiana Supreme Court, Indiana Trial Court Fee Manual; IC 14-22-38;
https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/licenses-and-permits/permits-commercial-licenses;
https://www.in.gov/nrc/files/nrc-Jan-2023-Minutes.pdf;
https://www.in.gov/nrc/files/nrc_May_2023_Minutes.pdf.
Fiscal Analyst: Heather Puletz, 317-234-9484.
SB 121 2