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For Immediate
Release
1/26/10
Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Approves Measures to Increase Fines for
Poaching, Improve Hunter Safety
HARRISBURG – The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee
approved legislation today that would increase fines and penalties, enact
stiffer punishments for poachers, and improve hunter safety according to
Committee Chairman Richard Alloway II (R-33).
The committee gave unanimous support to
Senate Bill 1200,
legislation in which Alloway was the prime sponsor. This legislation would
mandate Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact Act.
The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact Act is a
multi-state effort to ensure that habitual offenders in other states will not
commit violations in other states. The legislation would enable Pennsylvania to
recognize the revocation of an individual's hunting, fishing or trapping
privileges due to a violation of regulations in any other member's state.
"Pennsylvania's participation in the Wildlife Violators
Compact not only prevents chronic violators from simply moving their activity to
another state, it also provides a deterrence that is more powerful that monetary
fines and penalties. Participation in this cooperative interstate effort will
enhance Pennsylvania's ability to protect and manage the state's wildlife
resources for the benefit of all residents and visitors," stated Senator
Alloway.
The committee also unanimously approved
House Bill 1859,
which would increase fines and penalties for poaching. Under the bill,
violations would range from summary offenses to second-degree felonies depending
on the type of violation and any prior offenses.
In addition to these extremely important bills, the
committee approved several other bills, including:
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Senate Bill 1026, legislation that would implement an
Elk Conservation Tag. The bull elk tag would be auctioned off by a wildlife
conservation organization designated by a new Elk Tag Conservation
Committee.
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House Bill 1523, legislation that would reduce the
allowable blood alcohol content (BAC) for adult hunters and fur takers from
.10 to .08 percent. Alloway noted that the change would bring the state's BAC limit for hunters in line with the state standard for operating a motor
vehicle. "It is important for sportsmen to demonstrate good judgment in the
field to protect themselves and others, and these two bills will prohibit
reckless hunters from endangering other sportsmen," Alloway said. "Hunter
safety is one of my highest priorities for the committee, and I am thankful
that the other committee members joined me in supporting these common-sense
measures to protect Pennsylvania sportsmen.
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House Bill 181, which would clarify the enforcement
powers and duties of Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officers.
Contact:
Sally Kohr
((717) 787-4651
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