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PA SB517

Bill

Status

Introduced

3/25/2025

Primary Sponsor

Greg Rothman

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2025-2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Requires the Governor to appoint at least one Pennsylvania Game Commission member who represents agricultural commodity interests related to normal agricultural operations and wildlife

  • Mandates the Game Commission establish a self-reporting system (toll-free number, online application, or website) for persons removing deer for crop damage to report harvests within 24 hours, including carcass location

  • Recognizes purple paint marks on trees or posts as valid notice against trespassing while hunting, except in first and second class counties (Philadelphia and Allegheny)

  • Increases hunting trespass penalties: upgrades basic violations from third-degree to second-degree summary offense with up to one-year hunting privilege forfeiture; defying direct orders results in three-year forfeiture; repeat violations within seven years result in five-year forfeiture (increased from one year)

  • Requires the Game Commission by January 1, 2026 to implement an Agriculture Access Permit program connecting landowners experiencing wildlife damage with qualified hunters through a matching database based on geographic proximity and need

Legislative Description

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.

Last Action

Re-referred to Appropriations

6/25/2025

Committee Referrals

Appropriations6/25/2025
Game & Fisheries3/25/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available