Bill > HB851

This bill makes several significant changes to Pennsylvania's game and wildlife laws, primarily focusing on Sunday hunting and trespassing regulations. It temporarily authorizes Sunday hunting from now until June 30, 2029, allowing individuals with valid hunting licenses to hunt on any day of the week, with some restrictions such as prohibiting hunting in state parks and requiring written permission from private landowners. The bill also establishes new, more detailed provisions for trespassing on private land while hunting, including graduated penalties for first, second, and subsequent violations that can result in fines and the temporary loss of hunting privileges. Additionally, the bill adds provisions to the Pennsylvania Game Commission's governance, such as requiring at least one commission member to be knowledgeable in wildlife management and actively engaged in agriculture, prohibiting the commission from hiring lobbyists, and mandating an ethics policy that emphasizes respect for sportsmen. The legislation repeals the previous blanket prohibition on Sunday hunting and replaces it with more nuanced regulations, including specific exceptions for hunting foxes, coyotes, and on certain regulated hunting grounds. After June 30, 2029, the bill reverts to more restrictive Sunday hunting rules, with some exceptions for specific types of hunting and dog training.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=851