Bill > SB517

This bill proposes several changes to Pennsylvania's game and wildlife regulations. First, it modifies the composition of the Pennsylvania Game Commission by requiring that at least one member represent agricultural interests, and adds definitions for "agricultural commodity" and "normal agricultural operation" based on the Right-to-Farm Law. The bill updates reporting requirements for hunters, mandating that they report game or wildlife kills within 24 hours, including details like date, time, location, number, and sex of species, and establishes a self-reporting system via telephone, online application, or website. It also changes rules about carcass surrender, allowing hunters to deliver big game and other animal carcasses to a designated processor. The bill further revises trespassing regulations for hunters, expanding the definition of trespassing to include more scenarios and increasing penalties for violations, such as forfeiting hunting privileges for one to five years depending on the offense. Lastly, the bill requires the Game Commission to develop an agriculture access permit list program by January 1, 2026, which will create a system connecting landowners experiencing wildlife-related damage with qualified hunters who can help control wildlife populations. The bill will take effect 60 days after passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=517