Bill description:  SB 1082 would increase the fees the state Brand Board can assess for inspections and certificates.

Rating: -1

Does it directly or indirectly create or increase any taxes, fees, or other assessments? Conversely, does it eliminate or reduce any taxes, fees, or other assessments?

The state Brand Board, a division of the Idaho State Police, inspects the brands of cattle, livestock, and horses of ranchers in the state. The board receives fees from livestock owners for its inspections and certificates. SB 1182 would increase the caps for several of these fees.

Currently, the state board assesses a $35 fee to issue an ownership and transportation certificate. If an owner purchases this certificate for an equine animal, it will last for the lifetime of the animal, or until it is sold. With this certificate, the owner can transport the animal throughout the state or country. This certificate can be used instead of a permanent brand on the horse.

SB 1082 would increase the cap on the fee for this certificate to $75, allowing the board to increase the fees through the rulemaking process up to this amount.

(-1)

SB 1082 would also greatly increase the maximum fee for each brand inspection of a horse from $1.50 per head to $10. The board currently assesses the maximum rate of $1.50 and this bill would allow it to increase the rate as high as $10 through the rulemaking process.

(-1)

Does it increase government redistribution of wealth? Examples include the use of tax policy or other incentives to reward specific interest groups, businesses, politicians, or government employees with special favors or perks; transfer payments; and hiring additional government employees. Conversely, does it decrease government redistribution of wealth?

With the fees assessed by the state Brand Board currently, owners of cattle subsidize the owners of equines. The services provided by the board for inspecting horses exceed the costs of performing those inspections, which means that the funding the board receives from cattle inspections goes to fund the shortfall in the inspections for horses. SB 1082 would establish greater parity between the two professions by raising the equine inspection fee and assessing a new farm service fee to cover the costs when a brand inspector travels out to perform an inspection.

(+1)

Update: This analysis was updated on 3/5 to more accurately reflect the legislation. The score was changed from a (-3) to a (-1).