Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB439

Introduced
3/14/23  

Caption

In property and buildings, further providing for price paid for acquisitions and improvements.

Impact

The passage of SB 439 is expected to streamline the process of acquiring land for game purposes, helping the state efficiently manage and conserve game lands. By allowing the Commission to adjust the price based on local market values, the bill aims to ensure that state funding goes further in acquiring lands that are critical for wildlife habitats. This can enhance the state's conservation efforts and improve recreational opportunities for residents engaging in hunting and wildlife observation.

Summary

Senate Bill 439 amends Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning game lands and the price for acquisitions and improvements. This legislation allows the Pennsylvania Game Commission to set a price for lands designated as game lands that is considered fair and reasonable, based on local market values and excluding certain federal and cost-sharing funds. This change seeks to provide the Commission more flexibility in acquiring land necessary for the management and conservation of wildlife.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 439 appears generally supportive, particularly among those in the conservation community and outdoor recreational sectors. Advocates believe that the ability to set prices based on local conditions will be beneficial for future acquisitions and for the management of game lands. However, some local governments and property owners may express concerns regarding the valuation process and the potential for conflicts over land prices.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the criteria used to determine what constitutes a 'fair and reasonable' price for land acquisitions. Stakeholders may question the transparency and integrity of the pricing mechanisms employed by the Game Commission. Additionally, the exclusions of federal and cost-sharing funds in the determination of prices could lead to debates about the adequacy of funding for land acquisition and improvements, potentially impacting community input and involvement in the process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1075

In property and buildings, further providing for price paid for acquisitions and improvements.

PA HB1163

In land banks, further providing for acquisition of property and providing for municipal acquisition of real property.

PA SB698

In grounds and buildings, further providing for acquisition of buildings, sites for school buildings and playgrounds, and disposing thereof.

PA HB743

In land banks, further providing for acquisition of property and providing for municipal acquisition of real property.

PA SB630

State parks: real property: acquisitions and leases.

PA HB653

In tax credit and tax benefit administration, further providing for definitions; and providing for tax credits for rehabilitation and reconstruction of certain factory and mill buildings and for a business tax credit.

PA HB1464

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in procedure to condemn, providing for advanced notice to condemnee, further providing for notice to condemnee and for preliminary objections and providing for determination of last resort; in procedure for determining damages, further providing for liens and distribution of damages; in just compensation and measure of damages, further providing for measure of damages and providing for compensation for loss of goodwill of business or farm operation; and, in evidence, providing for proof of continuous ownership.

PA HB1549

In tenement buildings and multiple dwelling premises, further providing for landlord's duties; and providing for tenant relocation.

PA HB2042

In revenues, providing for audits of Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Trust Fund; in administration and enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for records and confidentiality of information; in application and licensure, further providing for establishment licenses, for license or permit prohibition, for issuance and renewal and for conditional licenses; in operation, further providing for testing and certification of terminals and for video gaming limitations, providing for hours of operation and further providing for terminal placement agreements and for compulsive and problem gambling; in enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in revenues, further providing for distribution of local share, for regulatory assessments and for transfers from Video Gaming Fund; in ethics, further providing for political influence; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; providing for implementation; and making a repeal.

PA SB654

In sales and use tax, further providing for

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.