PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB59

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB59

Introduced
3/7/23  

Caption

In hunting and furtaking, further providing for interference with lawful taking of wildlife or other activities permitted by this title prohibited.

Impact

If enacted, HB 59 would significantly alter the landscape of hunting regulations within the state. The bill seeks to fortify existing laws by explicitly defining and prohibiting certain forms of interference that may hinder lawful hunting activities. This change aims to provide clearer guidelines for hunters and law enforcement personnel regarding acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, potentially leading to a more structured hunting environment. The legislation may also have implications for wildlife management and conservation efforts, ensuring that hunting practices align with state policies designed for sustainable wildlife populations.

Summary

House Bill 59 aims to enhance protections against unlawful interference with wildlife hunting and fur-taking activities. The bill specifically prohibits actions that disrupt lawful taking of wildlife, thereby emphasizing the importance of maintaining legal hunting practices and the rights of individuals engaged in these activities. The growing concerns around wildlife conservation and management have prompted the need for such legislation, which seeks to strike a balance between recreational use and the rights of animals.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment towards HB 59 appears to be supportive among hunting and conservation communities, who view the bill as a necessary measure for protecting their interests and ensuring the integrity of legal hunting activities. Advocates argue that the bill reinforces the rights of responsible hunters while maintaining a framework that supports wildlife populations. However, there may be concerns among animal rights advocates who oppose any form of hunting, viewing the bill as an endorsement of practices they believe are harmful to wildlife.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise around the definition of 'interference' and the specific actions that might be penalized under this legislation. Critics may question whether the bill's language is too broad or leaves room for subjective interpretations that could impact non-hunters or individuals advocating for wildlife protections. Ensuring that the bill does not inadvertently penalize lawful activities conducted in proximity to hunting areas, such as wildlife observation or photography, remains a significant concern for advocacy groups. Discussions on HB 59 highlight the ongoing tension between conservation efforts and hunting rights, raising important questions about how the state defines and protects natural resources.

Latest PA HB59 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HB59

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB800

In hunting and furtaking, further providing for interference with lawful taking of wildlife or other activities permitted by this title prohibited.

PA HB1431

In game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations and for unlawful activities; and, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for trespass on private property while hunting and repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday without written permission.

PA HB1614

In game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations; and, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited and to hunting on Sunday without written permission.

PA HB2106

In hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, providing for temporary Sunday hunting authorized and for hunting and training on Sunday, repealing provisions relating to trespass on private property while hunting and to hunting on Sunday without written permission, providing for the offense of trespass on private land while hunting or furtaking and for the offense of hunting, trapping or taking game or wildlife without written permission and further providing for training dogs on small game; in special licenses and permits, further providing for field dog trials; and imposing penalties.

PA HB851

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission, providing for prohibition and further providing for accountability; in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, providing for temporary Sunday hunting authorized and for hunting and training on Sunday, repealing provisions relating to trespass on private property while hunting and to hunting on Sunday without written permission, providing for the offense of trespass on private land while hunting or furtaking and for the offense of hunting, trapping or taking game or wildlife without written permission and further providing for training dogs on small game; in special licenses and permits, further providing for field dog trials; imposing penalties; and making an editorial change.

PA SB67

In Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission; in game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations, for report to commission officer, for surrender of carcass to commission officer and for unlawful activities; and, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for the offense of trespass on private property while hunting and repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday without written permission.

PA SB67

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, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, providing for hunting on Sunday and further providing for unlawful devices and methods, for the offense of trespass on private property while hunting and for hunting on Sunday without written permission; and, in special licenses and permits, providing for agriculture access permit list.

PA HB669

In hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for denial or revocation of licenses and for period of revocation.

PA SB1087

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 the offense of trespass on private property while hunting; and, in special licenses and permits, providing for agriculture access permit list.

PA SB1312

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for restrictions on recreational spotlighting; providing for game or wildlife recovery permits; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.