Contact: Brent Miller, Senior Director, Northeastern States and States Program Administrator
July 10 marked a significant date for anglers and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) in the Keystone State, as House Bill 808 (HB 808) was effectuated into law, authorizing the PFBC the regulatory power to set license, permit, and tag fees.
HB 808 reflects the dedicated efforts by several members of the bipartisan Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus – some of whom served as the bill’s co-sponsors. The passage of HB 808 further exemplifies the Caucus’ ability to advance pro-sportsmen legislation for the 1.42 million sportsmen and women in the state.
Recognizing a quickly approaching summer recess for the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) signed onto a letter of support on June 15 that called on the legislature to vote in favor of HB 808. As CSF previously reported, this bill experienced significant movement in late June when it received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Senate, along with a concurrence vote in the House of Representatives, making it eligible for the Governor’s signature.
For roughly two decades, Pennsylvania’s fishing licenses have not changed in price. Understanding that the PFBC relies heavily on revenue generated through boating registrations and fishing license sales, the sportsmen’s community rallied behind the legislation so the Commission would have the ability to administer consistent license fee increases to account for changing market conditions and to serve the state’s sportsmen and women.
CSF commends the members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, PFBC, and the in-state and national conservation organizations who supported HB 808.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
