September 29, 2026 · GAME AND FISHERIES · 936 words · 8 speakers · 101 segments
I call this voting meeting of the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee in order. In order to establish a quorum, Ben, please call the roll.
Senator Boscola?
Proxy.
Senator Coleman?
Proxy.
Senator Dush?
Proxy.
Senator Hutchinson?
Here.
Senator Laughlin?
Here.
Senator Malone?
Here.
Senator Picozzi?
Here.
Senator Schwenk?
A proxy.
Senator Williams.
Here.
Senator Ward.
Here.
Senator Rothman.
Here.
The quorum being established, I call up Senate Bill 1213 introduced by Senator Laughlin. This bill enables the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to enact and enforce regulations related to snatching, foul hooking, and snagging. Is there a motion to consider the bill?
Moved.
Moved by Senator Malone. Is there a second?
Moved by Senator Laughlin.
Senator Laughlin on the bill.
Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This bill addresses the snatch fishing, foul hooking, and snagging, and these methods are already prohibited under Fish and Boat Commission regulations. This bill gives the commission specific authority to regulate them and establishes a first-degree summary offense for violating these rules. It's a straightforward change that makes the law clearer and gives the commission a stronger tool to enforce responsible fishing practices and protect Pennsylvania's fisheries. And, you know, in my district, we have one of the best steelhead fisheries in the world, and that why this has been on you know my radar if you will because a lot of people go down to the streams and try and snag these steelheads So I really appreciate you running this bill Any questions or comments on the bill
Ben, please call the roll.
Real quick. Sorry, I'm sorry, Mr. Chairman. Just curious, you said summary offense. Is that the same penalty as is currently assessed? Or are we upgrading it? That's the question.
It would give the commission the specific authority to regulate them and establish a first-degree summary offense. So that's –
But you said it's already on the – sort of already not allowed. What's the penalty today?
Hang on.
If you got the answer to that, Tim, go ahead. It was upgraded from a summary two to a summary one.
Yeah, that's what it was. Okay. Great. Thank you. Sorry about that.
Thank you, Ben. Please call the roll.
On the bill, Senator Boscola?
Yes.
Aye.
Proxy.
Proxy, aye. Senator Coleman?
Proxy, aye.
Proxy, aye. Senator Dush?
Proxy, aye.
Proxy, aye. Senator Hutchinson?
Aye.
Senator Laughlin? Aye. Senator Malone? Aye. Senator Picozzi? Aye. Senator Schwenk? Proxy, aye Proxy aye Senator Williams Aye Senator Ward Proxy aye Proxy aye Senator Rothman Aye The ayes have it Senate Bill 1213 is reported out of committee Our next bill is Senate Bill 1431 introduced by Senator Laughlin The bill prevents warrantless entry on private property by officers under Title 34. Is there a motion to consider the bill? Move. Senator Malone, is there a second? Second. Senator Hutchinson, I call up Amendment A034239, sponsored by Senator Laughlin. Is there a motion to consider the amendment? Senator Laughlin, is there a second? Senator Hutchinson. Senator Laughlin, on the amendment.
Yeah, the amendment just removed some duplicative language, so I think everybody's okay with that.
Are there any questions or comments on the amendment? Thank you. Please call the roll on the amendment.
On the amendment, Senator Boscola.
Proxy aye.
Proxy aye. Senator Coleman.
Proxy aye.
Proxy aye. Senator Dush.
Proxy, aye.
Proxy, aye. Senator Hutchinson?
Aye.
Aye. Senator Laughlin?
Aye.
Aye. Senator Malone?
Aye.
Aye. Senator Picozzi?
Aye.
Aye. Senator Schwenk?
Aye.
Proxy, aye. Proxy, aye. Senator Williams?
Aye.
Aye. Senator Ward?
Proxy, aye.
Proxy, aye. Senator Rothman?
Aye.
The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted.
Senator Laughlin on the bill is amended. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Senate Bill 1431 addresses how Pennsylvania Game Commission officers may enter private property. In July, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in Punxsutawney Hunting Club versus Pennsylvania Game Commission that landowners who take clear steps to keep others off their property have a protected expectation of privacy, even in open fields. The court struck down provisions of the game code that gave the commission personnel broad authority to enter private land without a warrant Senate Bill 1431 responds to that ruling by establishing a clear warrant requirement in the game code Under this bill, the game commission officer would need a valid warrant before entering private property, whether it is posted or not. Game wardens have an important responsibility to protect Pennsylvania's wildlife and enforce our hunting laws. This bill allows them to continue that important work while also providing a clear standard for officers to follow and respecting the rights and privacy of Pennsylvania property owners. So I ask for an affirmative vote. Thank you.
Any other comments on the bill or questions? Ben, please call the roll.
Senator Boscola?
Proxy, aye.
Proxy, aye. Senator Coleman?
Proxy, aye.
Proxy, aye. Senator Dutch?
Proxy, aye.
Proxy, aye. Senator Hutchinson?
Aye.
Aye. Senator Laughlin?
Aye.
Aye. Senator Malone?
Aye.
Aye. Senator Picosi?
Aye.
Aye. Senator Schwank?
Proxy, aye.
Proxy, aye. Senator Williams?
Aye.
Aye. Senator Ward?
Proxy, aye.
Proxy, aye. Senator Rothman?
Aye.
Aye.
The ayes have it. The ayes have it in Senate Bill 1431 as reported out of committee. I apologize before I generally start the meeting. I allow the minority chair to say something. Do you have any comments?
I was literally just going to bring up that these are good bills to help us update some statutes. So, you know, we already did that.
Great. Thank you. Yes. This concludes today's agenda, and the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee stands in recess until the call of the chair. Thank you.