CBO on S373

CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE
COST ESTIMATE
January 21, 2010
S. 373
A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, to include constrictor
snakes of the species Python genera as an injurious animal
As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works
on December 10, 2009
CBO estimates that implementing S. 373 would have no significant cost to the federal
government. Enacting the bill could affect direct spending and revenues, but CBO
estimates that any such effects would not be significant.
S. 373 would make it a federal crime to import or ship certain snakes into the United
States. Because the bill would establish a new offense, the government would be able to
pursue cases that it otherwise would not be able to prosecute. We expect that S. 373
would apply to a relatively small number of offenders, so any increase in costs for law
enforcement, court proceedings, or prison operations would not be significant. Any such
costs would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
Because those prosecuted and convicted under S. 373 could be subject to criminal fines,
the federal government might collect additional fines if the legislation is enacted.
Criminal fines are recorded as revenues, deposited in the Crime Victims Fund, and later
spent. CBO expects that any additional revenues and direct spending would not be
significant because of the small number of cases likely to be affected.
Under S. 373, entities such as zoos would need permits to import or transport the affected
species of snakes. Based on information provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS), which issues permits for such activities, CBO estimates that enacting the bill
could result in an increase in offsetting collections (for permits) and associated spending.
We estimate that such increases would be minimal, however, and would offset each other
in most years, resulting in no significant net cost.
By prohibiting the importation and interstate transport of several species of python,
anaconda, and boa constrictor without a permit from USFWS, the bill would impose
intergovernmental and private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act (UMRA). USFWS is authorized to issue permits for scientific, medical,
educational, or zoological reasons.
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