Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB303

Introduced
2/25/25  

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, SB303 would significantly update Pennsylvania's regulations on how traditional hunting practices can incorporate technology. By including provisions for UAS usage specifically for recovering game, the bill reflects a modernized approach to wildlife management. However, it also emphasizes that such use cannot permit the hunting of live game located through UAS within a restricted time frame after the animal was observed, thus maintaining ethical hunting practices and wildlife protection.

Summary

Senate Bill 303 aims to amend Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, particularly focusing on regulations surrounding game and wildlife management. The bill introduces definitions relevant to small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and specifies how these can be used for game or wildlife recovery activities. It allows operators certified with a wildlife recovery permit to use UAS under certain conditions, while imposing restrictions to prevent improper hunting practices. Overall, the bill is intended to facilitate the recovery of harvested wildlife while ensuring adherence to safety and regulatory standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB303 appears cautiously optimistic among supporters who believe that the use of technology can enhance legitimate wildlife recovery efforts. However, there are mixed feelings about the broader implications of allowing unmanned systems in hunting practices, as some stakeholders might feel it could lead to abuse or ethical concerns regarding hunting methodologies. As a result, discussions are likely to consider both the potential benefits and risks of integrating UAS into current regulations.

Contention

Key points of contention may arise around the balance of technological advancements and traditional hunting ethics. Proponents of SB303 argue that allowing the recovery of harvested wildlife via UAS could minimize wastage and improve recovery rates. In contrast, critics might express concerns about increased surveillance or the potential for unethical hunting practices that could result from relaxed regulations related to hunting methods. The debate is expected to center around ensuring that while technology aids recovery, it does not compromise the integrity of hunting as a sport.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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.

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 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 SB698

In hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for license requirements; and, in special licenses and permits, further providing for

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 HB1113

In special licenses and permits, further providing for definitions, for exotic wildlife possession permits and for menagerie permits.

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 HB1451

In special licenses and permits, further providing for definitions, for exotic wildlife possession permits, for menagerie permits and for exclusions.

PA HB59

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

PA HB567

In permits relating to wildlife, further providing for definitions.

Similar Bills

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.

TX HB3010

Relating to the establishment of the Rural Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program.

TX HB2340

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CA AB1322

California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006: aviation greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan.

ND HB1519

AN ACT to provide appropriations to the department of career and technical education and agriculture commissioner for uncrewed aircraft system, autonomous vehicle, or other autonomous technology grants; to provide for a legislative management study; and to provide a report.

US HB3634

Safe Aviation and Flight Enhancement Act of 2023

NJ A349

Provides sales tax exemption for maintaining, servicing, or repairing of aircraft and sales of machinery or equipment and replacement parts installed on aircraft within aviation district.

NJ S176

Provides sales tax exemption for maintaining, servicing, or repairing of aircraft and sales of machinery or equipment and replacement parts installed on aircraft within aviation district.