PFSC Game and Fish Bills

(PN 58) Amends Title 34 (Game), in game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations. Mandates the opening of antlered deer season to begin on the first Monday following Thanksgiving. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 74) Amends the Right-to-Know Law, in procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records. Removes the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) from agencies exempted from access by a requester under the Right-to-Know law relating to a noncriminal investigation. Effective immediately.

(PN 1999) Amends Title 30 (Fish), adding a chapter to provide for at-risk, derelict and abandoned boats; and imposing penalties. Provides definitions, revising and adding certain terms. Provides for the identification, notice and related actions for the disposition of at-risk, derelict and abandoned boats. Establishes who the commission shall notify within seven calendar days of the identification of the at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat. Specifies provisions for the notice to an owner and for public notice. Provides for actions by the owner. Specifies recovery costs. Stipulates that a person involved in the identification, notification, recovery or storage of a boat under this chapter shall not be liable for any claim of property damage related to the boat. Amends penalty structures to match abandoned automotive vehicles. Defines “restitution costs.” Provides for the development, posting and submittal of forms. Provides for nuisances. Provides rules and regulations. Effective in 180 days. (Prior PN: 1113, 82) (PN 1113) Amends Title 30 (Fish), adding a chapter to provide for at-risk, derelict and abandoned boats; and imposing penalties. Provides definitions. Establishes that a boat is presumed to be abandoned if the owner of the boat cannot be contacted and the boat is physically inoperable and is left unattended on waters of this commonwealth or other public property, is left unattended on or along waters of this commonwealth or other public property and does not bear a valid registration or has remained on the private property of a salvor for 30 calendar days. Stipulates that the presumption is rebuttable by a preponderance of the evidence. Authorizes investigations. Requires notices within seven calendar days of the discovery of the at-risk boat, derelict boat or abandoned boat to the commission and the owner, as well as public notice. Makes editorial changes. Provides for actions by the owner within 14 calendar days of receipt of the notice. Specifies recovery costs. Adds that a person involved in the notification, investigation, recovery or storage of a boat under this chapter shall not be liable for any claim of property damage related to the boat. Provides for the development, posting and submittal of forms. Provides for nuisances. Provides rules and regulations. Effective in 180 days. (Prior PN: 82) (PN 82) Amends Title 30 (Fish) adding a chapter to provide for at-risk, derelict and abandoned boats; and imposing penalties. Provides definitions. Outlines the qualifications for a boat to be presumed abandoned. Authorizes investigations. Requires notices to the commission and the owner, as well as public notice. Provides for actions by the owner within 10 days of receipt of the notice. Specifies recovery costs. Provides for the development, posting and submittal of forms. Provides for nuisances. Provides rules and regulations. Effective in 180 days.

(PN 117) Amends Titles 30 (Fish) and 34 (Game), in protection of property and waters, further providing for restrictions on transport, sale, importation or release of nonnative injurious fish to assert that a person who negligently or intentionally violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree; and, in game or wildlife protection, further providing for unlawful importation of game or wildlife to assert that a negligent or intentional violation of this section relating to any endangered or threatened species if a misdemeanor of the first degree. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 134) Amends Title 30 (Fish), in preliminary provisions relating to boats and boating, further providing for registrations, licenses, permits, plates and statistics. Restricts the commission from promulgating regulations or requiring a permit or other related registrations of a boat not equipped with a motor in any park, forest or waters of the commonwealth. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 150) Amends Title 34 (Game), in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission to remove Carbon and Monroe counties from the Ninth District and add them to the Seventh District and for meetings of commission to lower the number of commissioners needed to constitute a meeting quorum from six to a majority of five. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 276) Amends Title 34 (Game), in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for resident license and fee exemptions. Omits those assigned to a facility outside of the commonwealth or who are on temporary leave in the commonwealth from obtaining a military personnel hunting license. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 369) An Act designating the passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) as the official extinct species of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Effective immediately.

(PN 370) An Act designating the eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) as the official State reptile of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Effective immediately.

(PN 423) Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution, further providing for security from searches and seizures. Includes land to be secure from unreasonable searches and seizures. A Joint Resolution proposing integrated amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania requires approval in two consecutive legislative sessions and then approval by the voters through a referendum.

(PN 490) The Wildlife Rehabilitation Grant Program Act establishes the Wildlife Rehabilitation Grant Program to be administered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Grant Fund as a non-lapsing fund in the State Treasury to award grants to wildlife rehabilitators; and imposes duties on PGC. Provides definitions. Directs grants to be used to further wildlife rehabilitation and/or improve wildlife rehabilitation center facilities. Requires wildlife rehabilitators to submit a written grant application, provided and reviewed by PGC, with specified information, and for PGC to either send a written approval of application with grant amount or a written denial of application with listed deficiencies. Allows PGC to determine grant amounts based on wildlife intake numbers from the previous fiscal year. Limits PGC to grant one award in one calendar year for each office location of a wildlife rehabilitator on a first-come, first-served basis until all the money in the grant program is exhausted. Requires wildlife rehabilitators to disclose to PGC what grant money will be used for. Directs the General Assembly to appropriate money on a continuing basis toward this fund and any funds leftover from a fiscal year are to be returned to the Game Fund. Directs PGC to submit a report on the program to the governor and various other specified individuals no later than one year after the effective date of this act and annually thereafter. Requires each annual report to be posted on PGC’s website. Directs PGC to implement any necessary policy or procedure to administer the program and fund. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 600) Amends Title 30 (Fish), in Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), further providing for waterways patrolmen and employees. Requires each full-time waterways conservation officer, whose duty it is to enforce this title, to be classified in the same manner as members of the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) for purposes of compensation. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 640) Amends the act entitled "An act encouraging landowners to make land and water areas available to the public for recreational purposes by limiting liability in connection therewith, and repealing certain acts," further providing for definitions, for duty to keep premises safe and warning and for assurance of safe premises and duty of care and responsibility and liability. Provides definitions for “volunteer” and “volunteer organizations.” Provides that volunteers or a volunteer organization owe no duty of care to keep premises safe for entry. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 708) Amends Title 34 (Game), in permits relating to wildlife, further providing for the definition of “exotic wildlife.” Effective in 60 days.

(PN 768) Amends Title 34 (Game), in hunting and furtaking, providing for harvesting of certain antlered deer by senior license holders. Authorizes a senior license holder to harvest an antlered deer with two or more points on one antler or a spike three or more inches in length. Defines “point.” Effective immediately.

(PN 772) Amends Titles 30 (Fish) and 34 (Game), in Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), further providing for organization of commission; and, in Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), further providing for organization of commission. Revises the composition of PFBC and PGC to establish qualifications. Requires departmental notification to sportsmen groups relating to PFBC and PGC. Provides several definitions. Applies amendments of the act to members of PFBC and PGC who, beginning on the effective date of this section, are starting a new term or are filling a vacancy due to the death, resignation or removal from office of a member. Stipulates that the Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation established by Executive Order No. 2015-13, 4 Pa. Code Ch. 6 Subch. AAA has no authority to select and appoint commissioners of the PGC or PFBC. The addition of 30 Pa.C.S. § 301(a)(3)(v) and 34 Pa.C.S. § 301(a)(3)(v) are effective immediately. Sections 3 and 4 of this act are effective immediately. Section 5 is effective immediately. The remainder of this act is effective in one year.

(PN 805) An Act authorizing the transfer of an easement interest in lands for a portion of the Project 70 lands owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, known as Lake Winola Access, in Overfield Township, Wyoming County, to the Department of Transportation. Directs that title interests be transferred with none of the existing restrictions currently imposed by the Project 70 Acquisition and Borrowing Act upon conveyance of the lands to the Department of Transportation. Provides property description. Effective immediately.

(PN 810) Amends Title 34 (Game), in hunting and furtaking, further providing for interference with lawful taking of wildlife or other activities permitted by this title prohibited. Provides for a violation for affecting the condition or placement of personal or public property intended for use in the lawful taking, viewing, photographing or video recording of wildlife or other permitted activities in order to impair its usefulness or prevent its use. Asserts that a violation is a summary offense of the first degree. Prohibits the violator from hunting or trapping in Pennsylvania for one year. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 881) Amends Title 34 (Game), in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), further providing for organization of commission, providing for prohibition and further providing for accountability; in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, providing for temporary Sunday hunting authorized and for hunting and training on Sunday, repealing provisions relating to trespass on private property while hunting and to hunting on Sunday without written permission, providing for the offense of trespass on private land while hunting or furtaking and for the offense of hunting, trapping or taking game or wildlife without written permission and further providing for training dogs on small game; in special licenses and permits, further providing for field dog trials; imposing penalties; and making an editorial change. Provides definitions for “lobbying,” “lobbying firm” and “lobbyist.” Directs the governor to ensure at least one member of PGC is knowledgeable in the area of wildlife management and actively engaged in a normal agricultural operation. Prohibits the commission from hiring or being represented by a lobbyist, lobbying firm or political consultant to engage in lobbying or otherwise influence the decision-making process of another entity or agency. Directs the commission to adopt an ethics policy. Prohibits Sunday hunting on state park lands. Asserts that the temporary Sunday hunting section expires on June 30, 2029. Mandates that Sunday hunting is unlawful beginning July 1, 2029, with exceptions. Provides for limitations on training dogs on small game. Provides for limitations on trails for raccoons. Defines the offense of trespassing on private land while hunting or furtaking. Provides for grading of the offense. Provides for hunting, trapping or taking game or wildlife without written permission. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 902) Amends Title 34 (Game), in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for resident license and fee exemptions. Lists types of licenses disabled veterans may be issued without costs or fees under section 2709(a) (relating to license costs and fees). Effective in 60 days. 

(PN 1008) Amends Title 34 (Game), in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for Game Commission officers and employees. Asserts that full-time officers from the Game Commission will be classified in the same manner as members of the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) regarding compensation. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 1049) Amends Titles 30 (Fish) and 34 (Game), in fishing licenses, providing for active duty military fishing reciprocity and for disabled veteran annual fishing license reciprocity; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, providing for active duty military hunting reciprocity and for disabled veteran annual hunting license reciprocity. Permits active duty military with a valid and lawfully issued active duty military fishing license or permit which has been issued under the laws of another state, regardless of whether a reciprocity agreement exists between the commonwealth and the state under subsection (b) to fish in any of the waters of the commonwealth or in any boundary waters. Lists conditions. Provides reciprocity.  Permits disabled veterans with a valid and lawfully issued disabled veteran annual fishing license or permit which has been issued under the laws of another state, regardless of whether a reciprocity agreement exists between the commonwealth and the state under subsection (b) to fish in any of the waters of the commonwealth or in any boundary waters. Lists conditions. Provides reciprocity. Permits active duty military with a valid and lawfully issued active military hunting license or permit which has been issued under the laws of another state, regardless of whether a reciprocity agreement exists between the commonwealth and the state under subsection (b) to hunt within the commonwealth. Lists conditions. Provides reciprocity. Permits disabled veterans with a valid and lawfully issued disabled veteran annual hunting license or permit which has been issued under the laws of another state, regardless of whether a reciprocity agreement exists between the commonwealth and the state under subsection (b) to hunt within the commonwealth. Lists conditions. Provides reciprocity. Effective in 60 days. 

(PN 1083) Amends Title 30 (Fish), in Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, further providing for Boating Advisory Board. Asserts the Boating Advisory Board will consist of the Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources, or a designee of the Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the two at-large members of the commission as described in section 301(b). Effective in 60 days.

(PN 1078) Amends Title 34 (Game), in game or wildlife protection, prohibiting the purchase, sale, offer for sale or possession with intent to sell covered animal parts or products; and imposing penalties. Provides that no person may purchase, sell, offer to sell or possess with intent to sell any item that the person knows or should know is a covered animal part or product. Provides for exceptions. Asserts that the Pennsylvania Game Commission may permit the purchase, sale, offer for sale or possession with intent to sell a covered animal part or product for educational or scientific purposes by a bona fide educational or scientific institution if the covered animal part or product was legally acquired. Provides for presumption of possession with intent to sell. Provides for penalties. Asserts that the commission may seize a covered animal part or product involved in a violation. Directs the commission to promulgate necessary regulations. Provides for definitions. Effective in six months.

(PN 1094) Amends Title 34 (Game), in fiscal affairs, establishing the Deterrent Fencing Cost-Share Program and the Deterrent Fencing Cost-Share Program Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Agriculture (PDA). Provides definitions. Provides for cost-sharing requirements between the commission and the landowner. Directs PDA to certify crop damage caused by wildlife, ensure adherence to construction specifications and certify eligible landowner deterrent fencing. Establishes the fund within the State Treasury. Provides for sources of the fund. Provides for appropriations to the fund on a continuing basis. Permits the department to use 1% of the money in the fund to cover the costs incurred in administering the program. Provides for allocations from the Game Fund in a lump sum allocation of $4,000,000 for the first year and then in lump sum allocations of $2,000,000 made available to eligible landowners until July 1, 2036. Provides for deterrent fencing. Provides for eligibility requirements. Provides for applications for eligible landowners seeking cost-share assistance for deterrent fencing. Provides requirements for applicants. Mandates that each approved project comply with fencing construction specifications. Directs the commission to disburse 50% of the approved total project cost directly to the eligible landowner upon written request of the eligible landowner for the money. Permits the landowner to submit a request for additional funding within three months of receipt of the initial disbursement if the total material or labor costs for an approved project exceed the initial estimates provided by the commission. Directs landowners to complete the construction of the approved deterrent fencing project within nine months of receiving the money. Provides for construction methods. Provides for final review and certification. Provides for noncompletion of fencing projects. Permits landowners to request an extension from the department. Provides for unlawful acts. Permits landowners to appeal the department’s decision to the commission. Asserts that a request for a review must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the department’s decision. Effective in 180 days.  

(PN 1174) Amends Title 34 (Game), in property and buildings, further providing for price paid for acquisitions and improvements. Removes the provision regarding the commission paying for lands to be used as game lands what it considers a fair and reasonable price and removes land restrictions. Effective immediately.

(PN 1211) Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses), in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for the offense of use of live pigeons for target. Defines the offense regarding the use of live pigeons for target as a summary offense. Stipulates nothing under this section shall be construed to apply to activity which is authorized or permitted under 34 Pa.C.S. (relating to game), the training of dogs for activity which is authorized or permitted under 34 Pa.C.S. or a special permit under 58 Pa. Code Ch. 147 (relating to special permits). Effective in 60 days.

(PN 1541) Amends Title 34 (Game), in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for Game Commission officers and employees; and, in enforcement, further providing for powers and duties of enforcement officers. Prohibits an officer from going upon any land as to which notice against trespass is given. Outlines applicable situations. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 1560) Amends Title 34 (Game), in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for elk hunting licenses. Permits a recipient selected to receive a license under subsection (b) or (c) to transfer the license to an eligible hunter. Directs the Pennsylvania Game Commission to provide for the form and manner in which a license may be transferred. Prohibits the transfer of a license from resulting in monetary gain. Asserts that an individual may be reimbursed for the cost of the license and any additional cost imposed by the commission for the transfer. Provides penalties for violations. Effective in 60 days.

(1640) Amends Title 30 (Fish), in preliminary provisions relating to boats and boating, further providing for boating education. Exempts a person who operates a motorboat powered by a motor of 25 horsepower or less that is not a personal watercraft from boating education requirements. Removes the requirement for the commission to make boating safety instruction and certification programs take place at convenient times and locations to maximize attendance. Directs the commission to issue a certificate of boating safety education to a person who pays the fee under section 5104 (relating to fees). Removes the requirement to provide boating safety education materials to individuals who plan to take boating safety courses. Removes the requirement to replace a lost or destroyed certificate. Removes the requirement to establish reasonable charges for individuals who take boating safety education courses conducted by the commission or commission volunteers. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 1998) Amends Title 34 (Game), in game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations and for unlawful activities; and, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for trespass on private property while hunting and repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday without written permission. Strikes section 301 regarding the organization of the commission and definitions. Strikes section 2122 regarding reporting requirements to commission officers. Outlines violations, including for the failure to obtain written permission to hunt on a Sunday. Asserts that violations under this subchapter pertaining to written permission are considered third-degree summary offenses. Outlines exceptions to subsection (a) pertaining to unlawful devices and methods, removing language regarding specific criteria for natural deer urine. Adds situations that are classified as trespassing. Amends penalty information, including the forfeiture of hunting within the commonwealth for various periods of time. Adds that upon the dismissal or dropping of charges against a person, or upon finding that a person is not guilty of a violation, the person’s privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife within this commonwealth shall be immediately restored. Makes technical adjustments. Effective in 60 days. (Prior PN: 1667, 1896) (PN 1896) Amends Title 34 (Game), in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission; in game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations, for report to commission officer, for surrender of carcass to commission officer and for unlawful activities; and, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for the offense of trespass on private property while hunting and repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday without written permission. Requires the governor to ensure that at least one member of the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) represents the interest of agricultural commodities that pertain to normal agricultural operations and wildlife. Provides definitions. Requires reports to PGC officers regarding the killing of game or wildlife to include the location of the carcass. Asserts PGC will establish a self-reporting system that assigns an individual to remove deer for crop damage purposes and reports each harvest to a PGC officer via a telephone number, online application or public website. Asserts carcasses will be delivered to a processor for final disposition. Outlines violations, including for the failure to obtain written permission to hunt on a Sunday. Asserts that violations under this subchapter pertaining to written permission are considered third-degree summary offenses. Outlines exceptions to subsection (a) pertaining to unlawful devices and methods. Adds situations that are classified as trespassing. Amends penalty information, including the forfeiture of hunting within the commonwealth for various periods of time. Adds that upon the dismissal or dropping of charges against a person, or upon finding that a person is not guilty of a violation, the person’s privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife within this commonwealth shall be immediately restored. Effective in 60 days. (Prior PN: 1667) (PN 1667) Amends Title 34 (Game), in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission; in game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations, for report to commission officer, for surrender of carcass to commission officer and for unlawful activities; and, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for the offense of trespass on private property while hunting and repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday without written permission. Requires the governor to ensure that at least one member of the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) represents the interest of agricultural commodities that pertain to normal agricultural operations and wildlife. Provides definitions. Requires reports to PGC officers regarding the killing of game or wildlife to include the location of the carcass. Asserts PGC will establish a self-reporting system that assigns an individual to remove deer for crop damage purposes and reports each harvest to a PGC officer via a telephone number, online application or public website. Asserts carcasses will be delivered to a processor for final disposition. Outlines violations, including for the failure to obtain written permission to hunt on a Sunday. Asserts that violations under this subchapter pertaining to written permission are considered third-degree summary offenses. Outlines exceptions to subsection (a) pertaining to unlawful devices and methods. Adds situations that are classified as trespassing. Amends penalty information, including the forfeiture of hunting within the commonwealth for various periods of time. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 1762) Amends Title 34 (Game), in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for resident license and fee exemptions. Establishes that a college student who attends a college or university located within the state is eligible for a resident hunting license if the student has applied to an issuing agent or the commission, provides a valid college identification card and pays the license fee. Adds that a college student may be eligible for license and fee exemptions for no more than four consecutive years. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 1809) Amends Title 34 (Game), in hunting and furtaking, further providing for prohibited devices and methods. Prohibits the hunting of big game, except wild turkeys, with air rifles. Abrogates inconsistent regulations. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 1898) Amends Title 34 (Game), in enforcement, further providing for revocation, suspension or denial of license, permit or registration; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for denial or revocation of licenses and for period of revocation. Provides that the license may be denied, revoked or suspended by the magisterial district judge or court having jurisdiction in a case coming before it involving an offense under this title. Provides that a magisterial district judge or court having jurisdiction may revoke a license in addition to violations or penalties if the licensee or person has been charged by an officer. Provides for the immediate restoration of a license or privilege if charges are dropped or dismissed upon being found not guilty of violating the sections. Provides a period of revocation not to exceed three years as determined by the magisterial district judge or court having jurisdiction for the first offense and a period not exceeding five years for the second offense. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 1931) Amends Title 34 (Game), in game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations; and, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited and to hunting on Sunday without written permission. Repeals the Sunday hunting prohibition. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 2017) Amends Title 34 (Game), in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for junior hunter projects; and, in game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations. Outlines that the commission should initiate, implement and administer two or more junior license hunter projects and a mentored hunter season to increase and sustain interest in hunting among young people and mentored adults in the commonwealth. Provides exceptions to hold a junior hunting license under section 2705(2) or (9) or a license under section 2701(c). Asserts that all participants in any junior hunter project or mentored hunter season should comply with all provisions and regulations. Establishes a seven-day mentoring season immediately following the end of regular firearms deer season, where an individual holding a license issued under section 2701(c) or 2705(2) or (9) can hunt deer and small game species designated by the commission, if a mentor accompanies the individual. Provides for opening days for regular antlered deer hunting season as the first Monday following Thanksgiving in districts 1, 3, 5 and 7 as identified in section 301(b) and the first Saturday before Thanksgiving in districts 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9 as identified in section 301(b). Effective in 60 days.

(PN 2226) Amends Title 34 (Game), in property and buildings, further providing for price paid for acquisitions and improvements. Asserts that lands to be used as game lands in a county of the sixth, seventh or eighth class, the price may not exceed more than $400 per acre. Effective immediately.

(PN 2397) Amends Title 34 (Game), in Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), further providing for junior hunter projects. Establishes an exception in the general rule for participants who hold a permit issued by PGC entitling a person 12 years of age or younger to hunt alongside a mentor. Directs PGC to establish a youth antlered deer season of up to five continuous days prior to the start of the regular firearms deer season. Specifies that a junior hunting license issued under section 2705(2) or (9) or a permit issued by the commission entitling a person 12 years of age or younger to hunt alongside a mentor shall entitle the holder of the license or permit to one antlered deer tag to be used during the youth antlered deer season. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 2400) Amends Titles 30 (Fish) and 34 (Game), in fishing licenses, providing for Indigenous Americans fishing licenses; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for resident license and fee exemptions. Outlines General Assembly acknowledgements. Asserts that Indigenous American fishing licenses shall be issued by the commission, county treasurer or issuing agent to an individual who is a formally recognized member of a federally recognized Indigenous tribe. Lists the forms of documentation that an individual must provide at least one of in addition to a valid photo identification card before the issuance of a license. Prohibits the commission, county treasurer or issuing agent from charging a fee for a license after presentation of the required documentation. Defines “federally recognized Indigenous tribe.” Effective in 60 days.  

(PN 2740) Amends Title 34 (Game), in game or wildlife protection, further providing for killing game or wildlife to protect property. Adjusts the definition for “person” to mean the owner of lessee of a normal agricultural operation, a member of their family who assists with the operation, a domiciled member of their household who assists with the operation, an employee of the owner or lessee who regularly and continuously assists with the operation and any other person as authorized by commission permit. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 2762) Amends Title 34 (Game), in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for license requirements; and, in special licenses and permits, further providing for regulated hunting grounds permits. Outlines the exemption for members of the armed services and disabled veterans. Lists who is eligible. Explains the Military Event License Exemption. Provides applicability to the Military Event License Exemption permits. Defines “eligible individual,” “Military Event License Exemption” and “Military Event License Exemption Permit.” Elaborates on the exception for regulated hinting grounds permits. Effective in 60 days.  

(PN 2766) Amends the Fiscal Code, in oil and gas wells, further providing for Oil and Gas Lease Fund; and, in general budget implementation, further providing for federal and commonwealth use of forest land. Provides for charges for land owned by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the benefit of each county where the real property is located. Establishes the per-acre amount to be determined by subsection (e)(4). Provides the State Treasurer shall pay additional payments to political subdivisions, including the amount deposited into the Forest Reserves Municipal Relief Supplement Account for the prior fiscal year ending June 30, and the per-acre supplemental payment calculated by dividing the amount under paragraph (3) by the number of acres that payment is due under subsection (b)(1). Establishes the Forest Reserves Municipal Relief Supplement Account as a restricted account under the General Fund. Details that money in the account is appropriated on a continuing basis to the State Treasurer. Requires 20% of payments be deposited into the account. Details the list of payments including amounts under the Indigenous Mineral Resources Development Act, state park user fees, rents, royalties and other payments received by the commonwealth from oil and gas leases, timber sales and the construction or placement of radio towers on land owned by the commonwealth, except game and fish lands, and any other money appropriated or transferred into the account. Effective immediately.

(PN 3610) Amends the Tax Reform Code, adding an article to provide for deer processor’s tax credit. Provides and amends definitions. Outlines the application process for the tax credit for the qualified processing expense. Requires the qualifying processor to retain for recordkeeping purposes each appropriate Pennsylvania Game Commission numbered and issued ear tag that is affixed to each deer being donated. Provides for receipt of the tax credit. Directs the Department of Revenue to notify the taxpayer of the amount of the taxpayer’s tax credit approved by DOR by December 15 of the calendar year following the close of the taxable year during which the qualified processing expense was incurred. Provides for the carryover, carryback, refund and application of tax credit. Reduces the number of years a tax credit may be carried over. Establishes limitations on credits. Strikes out the section providing for shareholder, owner or member pass through. Provides for a pass-through entity and limitations. Outlines application to a shareholder, member or partner of a pass-through entity. Allows DOR to develop written guidelines for the implementation and administration of this article. Asserts that this act shall apply to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2025. Effective July 1, 2026, or immediately, whichever is later. (Prior PN: 2862) (PN 2862) Amends the Tax Reform Code, adding an article to provide for deer processor’s tax credit. Provides definitions. Outlines the application process for the tax credit for the qualified processing expense. Requires the qualifying processor to retain for recordkeeping purposes each appropriate Pennsylvania Game Commission numbered and issued ear tag that is affixed to each deer being donated. Provides for receipt of the tax credit. Directs the Department of Revenue to notify the taxpayer of the amount of the taxpayer’s tax credit approved by DOR by December 15 of the calendar year following the close of the taxable year during which the qualified processing expense was incurred. Provides for the carryover, carryback, refund and application of tax credit. Establishes limitations on credits. Requires DOR to promulgate regulations necessary for the implementation and administration of this article. Asserts that this act shall apply to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2024. Effective July 1, 2026, or immediately, whichever is later.

(PN 1264) Resolution recognizing the month of May 2025 as "National Water Safety Month" in Pennsylvania.

(PN 1320) Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study evaluating Pennsylvania's trespassing laws, including the enforcement of those laws, with the goal of effectively deterring trespassing on private property.

(PN 1554) Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the compensation and benefits packages given to game wardens, waterways conservation officers and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources rangers.

(PN 982) Amends Title 34 (Game), in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission; in game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations, for report to commission officer, for surrender of carcass to commission officer and for unlawful activities; and, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for the offense of trespass on private property while hunting and repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday without written permission. Requires the governor to ensure that at least one member of the commission represents the interests of agricultural commodities that pertain to normal agricultural operations and wildlife. Defines “agricultural commodity” and “normal agricultural operation.” Mandates the commission to establish a self-reporting system that allows a person assigned to remove deer for crop damage purposes to report each harvest to an officer of the commission via a toll-free telephone number, online application or publicly accessible Internet website. Adds the failure to obtain written permission to hunt on a Sunday as a violation and makes it a summary offense of the third degree. Adds an exception under unlawful devices and methods to include natural deer urine for the purposes of taking, attempting to take, attracting or scouting wildlife. Removes criteria relating to the testing of natural deer urine. Adds to the list of actions that constitute trespassing. Revises penalties. Makes editorial and technical adjustments throughout the act. Effective in 60 days. (Prior PN: 312) (PN 312) Amends Title 34 (Game), in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission; in game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations, for report to commission officer, for surrender of carcass to commission officer and for unlawful activities; and, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for the offense of trespass on private property while hunting and repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday without written permission. Requires the governor to ensure that at least one member of the commission represents the interest of agricultural commodities that pertain to normal agricultural operations and wildlife. Defines “agricultural commodity” and “normal agricultural operation.” Mandates the commission to establish a self-reporting system that allows a person assigned to remove deer for crop damage purposes to report each harvest to an officer of the commission via a toll-free telephone number, online application or publicly accessible Internet website. Adds the failure to obtain written permission to hunt on a Sunday as a violation and makes it a summary offense of the third degree. Adds an exception under unlawful devices and methods to include natural deer urine for the purposes of taking, attempting to take, attracting or scouting wildlife. Adds to the list of actions that constitute trespassing. Revises penalties. Makes editorial and technical adjustments throughout the act. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 185) Amends Title 30 (Fish), in fishing licenses, further providing for disabled veterans and former prisoners of war and for deployed Pennsylvania National Guard members and repealing provisions relating to reserve component of armed forces members. Repeals general rules provisions for disabled veterans. Provides the disability is service-connected. Requires documentation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Revises eligibility requirements for a lifetime license. Includes licenses for reserve component of armed forces members. Repeals section 2707.2 of Title 30. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 237) Amends Title 34 (Game), in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for restrictions on recreational spotlighting; in special licenses and permits, providing Subchapter E for game or wildlife recovery permits; and imposing penalties. Provides definitions. Permits the use of a small unmanned aircraft system if the operator has been issued a wildlife recovery permit granted by the commission and the small unmanned aircraft system is used solely by the permittee for the recovery of harvested wildlife when no firearm or implement of taking is possessed by any participant involved in the recovery. Stipulates that it is not to be construed to authorize the hunting of any live game or wildlife observed or located through the use of an unmanned aircraft system if a period of less than 24 hours has elapsed since the most recent observation or location event through the use of a small unmanned aircraft. Revises exceptions to restrictions on recreational spotlighting to include unmanned aircraft. Establishes the purpose of game or wildlife recovery permits. Provides definitions. Requires application process. Lists required contents of the application. Mandates that the fee for a game or wildlife recovery permit is $100 for residents and nonresidents when used for commercial game or wildlife recovery activity and $5 for individuals utilizing a small unmanned aircraft system for personal game or wildlife recovery activity. Establishes permitting requirements and conditions. Provides stipulations for the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems. Requires maintenance and inspection of field records. Lists required form contents. Requires field reports to be submitted to the commission annually. Stipulates that a violation of this subchapter shall be prosecuted in accordance with section 2908 (relating to violations). Allows the director to deny, revoke or suspend a game or wildlife recovery permit of a permittee for a violation by the permittee or any subpermittee, upon written notice to the permittee. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 329) An Act authorizing an easement and release of Project 70 restrictions on certain land owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in Overfield Township, Wyoming County. Provides description and slope assessment of the property. Effective immediately.

(PN 337) Amends Title 34 (Game), in game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations. Requires the regular deer hunting season to open on the first Monday following Thanksgiving. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 360) Amends Titles 30 (Fish) and 34 (Game), in fishing licenses, providing for volunteer firefighters, volunteer special fire police officers and volunteer emergency medical service technicians; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for resident license and fee exemptions and for license costs and fees. Provides for an annual resident fishing license at a cost of $1 issued by the commission or a county treasurer to any person eligible for the license who provides documentation that for at least the previous 12 months the person has been a volunteer firefighter, volunteer special fire police officer or volunteer emergency medical service technician in good standing in the state. Allows the commission to promulgate regulations to implement this section. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 423) Amends Titles 30 (Fish) and 34 (Game), in fishing licenses, providing for law enforcement; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for resident license and fee exemptions and for license costs and fees. Establishes a $1 fishing license fee issued to any person eligible for the license under section 2701 (relating to resident fishing licenses) who provides that the person is employed as an officer in the state. Allows the commission to promulgate regulations to implement this section. Adds definitions. Provides that law enforcement hunting licenses are issued to any person otherwise eligible for a resident hunting license in the state who provides documentation that the person is employed as an officer in the state. Adds further definitions. Provides for a $1 law enforcement hunting license fee. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 431) Amends Title 30 (Fish), in preliminary provisions relating to boats and boating, further providing for boating education. Removes engine requirements and time and location options from the boating education exemptions. Strikes language regarding boating safety education materials to a person taking the boating safety course under commission duties. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 480) Amends Title 34 (Game), in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission; in game or wildlife protection, further providing for report to commission officer and for surrender of carcass to commission officer; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for trespass on private property while hunting; and, in special licenses and permits, providing for agriculture access permit list. Adds that the governor must ensure that at least one member appointed to the commission represents the interest of agricultural commodities that pertain to normal agricultural operations and wildlife. Adds definitions for agricultural commodity and normal agricultural operation. Extends the reporting content requirements to include the location of the carcass and requires the commission to establish a self-reporting system that allows a person assigned to remove deer for crop damage to report each harvest to an officer of the commission via a toll-free number, online application or website. Allows a person to surrender a carcass to a processor for final disposition and defines processor. Extends language under trespassing to include entering or remaining on any land of another without authorization to do so, when the land is fenced or enclosed or subject to subsection (b), enters or remains on any land of another without authorization to do so when notice against trespass is given. Excludes counties of the first and second class from subsection (a)(4). Adjusts the grading of the offense for a person who violate subsection (a) (1), (3) or (4) to a summary offence of the second degree that may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hund or take game or wildlife anywhere in the state for a period of up to one year. Adds that a person who violates subsection (a) (2) will forfeit the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere in the state for three years and for any subsequent violations, the forfeiture period is increased to five years. Requires the commission to develop and implement a program to connect landowners experiencing wildlife-related damage with qualified hunters who are available to assist in wildlife population control and outlines the program content requirements. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 1014) Amends Title 34 (Game), in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission; in game or wildlife protection, further providing for report to commission officer, for surrender of carcass to commission officer, for unlawful activities and for killing game or wildlife to protect person; and, in hunting and furtaking, further providing for investigation and seizure of game or wildlife. Adds that the governor shall ensure that at least one member appointed to the commission represents the interest of agricultural commodities that pertain to normal agricultural operations and wildlife. Defines “agricultural commodity” and “normal agricultural operation.” Includes the sex of the species and the location of each carcass in the report that a person shall provide to an officer of the commission. Requires the commission to establish a self-reporting system that allows a person assigned to remove deer for crop damage purposes to report each harvest to an officer of the commission via a toll-free number, online application or website. Adds delivering to a processor for final disposition to surrender of a carcass, defining the term “processor.” Removes language regarding the refusal to answer any pertinent question related to the killing or wounding of any game or wildlife killed or wounded, or the disposition of the entire carcass or any part thereof under § 2126 regarding unlawful activities, under §2141 related to killing game or wildlife to protect person and under §2313 related to investigation and seizure of fame or wildlife. Effective in 60 days. (Prior PN: 481) (PN 481) Amends Title 34 (Game), in game or wildlife protection, further providing for unlawful activities and for killing game or wildlife to protect person; and, in hunting and furtaking, further providing for investigation and seizure of game or wildlife. Repeals language regarding the refusal to answer any pertinent question related to the killing or wounding of any game or wildlife killed or wounded, or the disposition of the entire carcass or any part thereof under § 2126 regarding unlawful activities, under §2141 related to killing game or wildlife to protect person and under §2313 related to investigation and seizure of fame or wildlife. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 1010) Amends Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses), 30 (Fish), 34 (Game) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), and 61 (Prisons and Parole) in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and repealing provisions relating to public access; in enforcement relating to fish, further providing for powers and duties of waterways conservation officers and deputies; in enforcement relating to game, further providing for powers and duties of enforcement officers; in recordings by law enforcement officers, further providing for definitions and for audio recording or video recording policies; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of the Department of Corrections (DOC); and making transfers between the State Gaming Fund and certain restricted accounts. Redefines “oral communication” and the meaning of “law enforcement officer” in section 5702 of Title 18 and “law enforcement officer” in section 67A01 of Title 42, and provides that the individual is not intercepting the communication from inside the residence of an employee of DOC without the consent of the employee or prior court approval. Authorizes deputy law enforcement officers with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC), deputy law enforcement officers with the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) rangers and State Park Officers to wear body cameras. Establishes powers and duties for DOC. Transfers $213,200 from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PBCB) to the Public Protection Law Enforcement Restricted Account to implement the provisions of the act by the Office of the Attorney General and $719,550 from the PGCB to the State Parks User Fees Restricted Receipts Account to implement provisions of the act by DCNR. Effective in 60 days. (Prior PN: 1008, 489) (PN 1008) Amends Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses), 30 (Fish), 34 (Game) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and repealing provisions relating to public access; in enforcement relating to fish, further providing for powers and duties of waterways conservation officers and deputies; in enforcement relating to game, further providing for powers and duties of enforcement officers; in recordings by law enforcement officers, further providing for definitions and for audio recording or video recording policies; and making transfers between the State Gaming Fund and certain restricted accounts. Redefines “oral communication” and the meaning of “law enforcement officer” in section 5702 of Title 18 and “law enforcement officer” in section 67A01 of Title 42. Authorizes deputy law enforcement officers with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC), deputy law enforcement officers with the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) rangers and State Park Officers to wear body cameras. Transfers $213,200 from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PBCB) to the Public Protection Law Enforcement Restricted Account to implement the provisions of the act by the Office of the Attorney General and $719,550 from the PGCB to the State Parks User Fees Restricted Receipts Account to implement provisions of the act by DCNR. Effective in 60 days. (Prior PN: 489) (PN 489) Amends Titles 18 (Crimes and Offenses), 30 (Fish), 34 (Game) and 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and repealing provisions relating to public access; in enforcement relating to fish, further providing for powers and duties of waterways conservation officers and deputies; in enforcement relating to game, further providing for powers and duties of enforcement officers; in recordings by law enforcement officers, further providing for definitions and for audio recording or video recording policies. Redefines “oral communication” and the meaning of “law enforcement officer” in section 5702 of Title 18 and “law enforcement officer” in section 67A01 of Title 42. Authorizes deputy law enforcement officers with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC), deputy law enforcement officers with the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) rangers and State Park Officers to wear body cameras. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 519) Amends Title 34 (Game), in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for license requirements; and, in special licenses and permits, further providing for regulated hunting grounds permits. Establishes license requirement exemptions for members of armed services and disabled veterans. Outlines eligible individuals for the Military Event License Exemption and Military Event License Exemption Permit. Provides applicability. Permits the commission to promulgate guidelines for implementation. Defines “eligible individual,” “Military Event License Exemption” and “Military Event License Exemption Permit.” Permits exception for regulated hunting grounds permits. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 861) Amends Title 30 (Fish), in fiscal affairs, further providing for establishment and use of Fish Fund and for establishment and use of Boat Fund. Extends the general rules for the Fish and Boat Funds to include any expenses required for the business of the commissions. Requires the maintenance of records for all funds expended and to provide annual reports to the chairperson and minority chairperson of the Game and Fisheries Committee of the Senate, the chairperson and minority chairperson of the Game and Fisheries Committee of the House of Representatives, the chairperson and minority chairperson of the Appropriations Committee of the Senate and the chairperson and minority chairperson of the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 932) Amends Title 30 (Fish), in preliminary provisions, providing for prevention of electric shock, electrocution or injuries to users of marinas and docks. Establishes requirements for the prevention of electric shock, electrocution or injuries to users of marinas and docks for all boat dock operators and marina operators. Adds definitions. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 958) Amends the Administrative Code, in powers and duties in general, providing for real property acquisition limitations. Provides that the purchase or trade of land cannot be accepted as a gift or made by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Game Commission or the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission unless the governing body of the county where the land is located approves the acquisition. Provides that municipalities should be given 30 days’ notice and opportunity to comment on the acquisition of land before completion of purchase, trade or acceptance of the land. Effective in 90 days.

(PN 991) Amends Title 34 (Game), in game or wildlife protection, providing for unlawful release of certain balloons. Prohibits the knowing release of certain balloons, establishing civil penalties for violations not exceeding $5 per balloon released. Adds that the penalties shall be paid into the Game Fund. Provides exceptions and requires public notification. Adds definitions. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 1066) Amends Title 34 (Game), in game or wildlife protection, prohibiting the purchase, sale, offer for sale or possession with intent to sell covered animal parts or products; and imposing penalties. Defines the offense. Provides and explains exceptions. Allows the commission, under terms and conditions as the commission may prescribe, to permit the purchase, sale, offer for sale or possession with intent to sell a covered animal part or product for educational or scientific purposes by a bona fide educational or scientific institution if the covered animal part or product was legally acquired. Asserts that presumption of possession with intent to sell. Establishes penalties. Provides disposition. Permits the commission to promulgate regulations. Provides definitions. Effective in six months.  

(PN 1176) Amends Title 30 (Fish), providing for at-risk, derelict and abandoned boats; and imposing penalties. Provides definitions. Outlines circumstances that presume an abandoned boat, which can be rebutted by a preponderance of evidence. Allows municipalities or law enforcement to investigate at-risk, derelict or abandoned boats and notify the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) if an at-risk, derelict or abandoned boat is found. Requires the municipality or law enforcement to make reasonable attempts to notify the boat’s owner. Requires the municipality or law enforcement to publicize the notice of the abandoned boat if contact with the owner cannot be accomplished. Provides actions for the boat’s owner. Allows the municipality or law enforcement to commence an action relating to recovering costs. Asserts that anyone involved with the investigation, notification, recovery or storage of the boat is not held liable for property damage claims. Requires PFBC to develop notice forms that will be publicly available on the PFBC website, which may be submitted by electronic means. Asserts that this chapter is not meant to supersede any law regarding the investigation, removal, abatement or prevention of nuisances under the jurisdiction of the state or municipality. Allows PFBC to promulgate regulations as necessary related to at-risk, derelict or abandoned boats. Effective in 180 days.

(PN 1177) Amends Title 34 (Game), in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for resident license and fee exemptions to include all service-connected disabled veterans under the hunting license program, regardless of whether their disabilities were incurred during armed conflict or other military service. Defines “other period of military service.” Effective in 60 days.

(PN 1188) Amends Title 34 (Game), in game or wildlife protection, further providing for unlawful activities; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods; and, in special licenses and permits, further providing for disabled person permits. Prohibits the placing of salt, bait or food to attract wildlife unless otherwise approved by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PCG). Prohibits artificial or natural bait or other food as enticement for wildlife in a manner not authorized by PCG regulations. Provides exceptions, including a special permit for licensed hunters. Outlines information regarding disabled person permits. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 1393) Amends Title 34 (Game), in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for resident license and fee exemptions. Asserts that individuals who successfully complete a hunter education program provided by the Pennsylvania Game Commission will be eligible to receive one antlerless deer license from the commission. Stipulates that antlerless deer licenses will be valid only for the license year in which the program was completed. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 1414) Amends Title 25 (Elections), in voter registration, further providing for government agencies. Includes all offices in the commonwealth that provide applications for hunting and fishing licenses to allow individuals to register to vote. Effective in 60 days.

(PN 1431) Amends Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses), in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for the offense of use of live pigeons for target. Asserts that a person commits a summary offense if the person willfully organizes, operates, conducts or knowingly permits a premises to be owned, leased or used for a contest event in which live pigeons are used as targets for either amusement or as a test of skill in marksmanship that are launched or otherwise immediately presented to the shooter either manually or with electronic or mechanical assistance from a fixed location or locations within a predefined shooting field. Provides for applicability. Effective in 60 days.