Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB945

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/23/25
• Refer: 7/23/25

Caption

In game or wildlife protection, prohibiting the purchase, sale, offer for sale or possession with intent to sell covered animal parts or products; and imposing penalties.

Impact

If enacted, SB945 will amend existing wildlife protection statutes, introducing more severe consequences for individuals and businesses that engage in harmful practices associated with the trade of animal parts. The regulation is expected to bolster conservation initiatives and could potentially lead to a decrease in illegal activities related to wildlife exploitation. Law enforcement agencies may receive additional support to enforce these new measures effectively.

Summary

SB945 proposes to enhance protections for wildlife by prohibiting the purchase, sale, offer for sale, or possession with intent to sell covered animal parts or products. This legislative effort seeks to align state laws with efforts to conserve endangered species and regulate activities that contribute to the illegal wildlife trade. By establishing stricter penalties for violations, the bill aims to deter practices that threaten biodiversity and wildlife integrity within the state.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around SB945 appears to be supportive among conservationists and environmental advocacy groups, who argue that stringent measures are critically needed to protect vulnerable species from poaching and illegal trade. However, some industry stakeholders express concern about the implications of the bill on legitimate businesses that deal in materials sourced ethically. This creates a divide in opinions regarding the balance between necessary protections and the potential impact on commerce.

Contention

A key point of contention surrounding SB945 revolves around the definition of covered animal parts and the implications it may have on local economies dependent on wildlife resources. There are concerns that the bill could overly restrict activities related to animal parts that are acquired legally, potentially penalizing individuals and businesses that are not involved in illegal practices. Critics argue for clearer guidelines to define the scope of the prohibition and to ensure that legitimate use does not fall under the harsh penalties imposed by the bill.