Bill > HB746

This bill modifies the appointment process for members of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Game Commission to create a more participatory selection method. Under the new process, sportsmen's groups in each district can nominate candidates, and then sportsmen in that district can vote for their preferred candidates. The Governor will then choose from the top three vote-getters for each district, with some important nuances: if the Governor refuses to appoint any of the top three, they must choose from the next three highest vote-getters. The legislative committees will have five days to confirm the appointment, and if they vote against the appointment twice for a particular district, the third nominee will be confirmed without legislative approval. The bill also specifies that to be eligible to vote, a sportsman must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, have held a relevant license (fishing or hunting) for the past three consecutive years, and reside in the district. Additionally, the bill explicitly states that the Governor's Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation has no authority to select or appoint commissioners. The changes will apply to new terms and vacancies beginning on the bill's effective date, with most provisions taking effect one year after passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=746