HOUSE BILL NO. 144 "An Act authorizing the Department of Environmental Conservation to charge certain fees relating to registration of pesticides and broadcast chemicals; and providing for an effective date." Representative Grussendorf MOVED to adopt Amendment #7. [Copy on File]. He noted that the amendment would remove the repealer. The industry as well as the municipalities approve of this approach. Co-Chair Therriault indicated support for the amendment. There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment #7 was adopted. Representative J. Davies requested that Amendment #13 replace the old Amendment #10. [Copies on File]. Representative J. Davies MOVED to adopt new Amendment #10. MIKE TIBBLES, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE GENE THERRIAULT, commented that the amendment would change the definition of "actual direct costs" which would move it toward the average so that the Department would be able to establish fixed fees. Co-Chair Therriault suggested that an average salary fee would be determined by classification of the work. JANICE ADAIR, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION, noted currently that already occurs. There being NO OBJECTION, Amendment #10 was adopted. Ms. Adair spoke to the fiscal note. She stated that the Department was waiting to see the final version of the bill before completing the note. She estimated the note would be approximately $1.6 million dollars, and would change from general fund program receipts to straight general funds. The biggest change would be the exclusion of overhead and other costs associated with service to capture fees. Representative J. Davies asked who would benefit the most from the reduction in fees. Ms. Adair stated that the largest switch would be to the seafood and sanitation component. Seafood processors and food service facilities will see their fees change the most. Additional changes will be to the water Program. Co-Chair Therriault stated that the bill would be HELD in Committee until the fiscal note was completed. HB 144 was HELD in Committee for further consideration.