Bill > HB159

This bill proposes changes to Pennsylvania's legal provisions regarding nonnative fish and wildlife importation, specifically increasing criminal penalties for certain violations. Under the amended law, individuals who negligently or intentionally violate restrictions on transporting, selling, importing, or releasing nonnative injurious fish will now face a misdemeanor of the first degree, which is more serious than the previous third-degree misdemeanor. Similarly, for game and wildlife importation, the bill upgrades penalties for violations involving endangered or threatened species: negligent or intentional violations will now be classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, while other violations involving endangered or threatened species will be classified as a second-degree misdemeanor. These changes suggest a intent to more stringently discourage and punish actions that could potentially harm native ecosystems or endangered species by implementing more significant legal consequences. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, giving time for relevant authorities and the public to become aware of the new penalty structures.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=159