I was very proud to be asked last session to chair the House Game and Fisheries Committee and was proud again to be asked to continue serving as chair for this new session. Pennsylvania has thousands of acres of game lands and thousands of miles of waterways on which people enjoy hunting, fishing and boating.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Fish and Boat Commission are both independent agencies in the commonwealth. Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation that has two separate commissions that each address vital interests in the commonwealth. These two commissions work for the benefit of our outdoor sports men and women, as well as the conservation of our woodlands and waterways.
Neither commission relies on tax dollars. While they are funded through public monies, these funds are not taken from any monies received in the commonwealth through any tax collections.
Instead, each commission receives its funding primarily through the sale of hunting licenses, fishing licenses and boating and launch registrations. The Game Commission receives monies from federal taxes on ammunition sales. The Fish and Boat Commission receives some funding through federal excise taxes on fishing and tackle equipment, motorboat fuel and duties on imported fishing equipment.
Each commission was created by the state Legislature and is governed by enacted titles in Pennsylvania statues. The Legislature gave the commissions the ability to act independently. For example, hunting and fishing seasons are left to the commissions. The Legislature remains involved in the roles of the commissions when statutory matters need to be addressed.
An example of the need for legislative intervention came up last session. Each commission can determine the cost of a license or registration, but to change these fees, legislative permission is required. Last session I introduced House Bill 1409 to address this matter on behalf of the Fish and Boat Commission. I was pleased that this bill was passed into law.
Under this, the “sunset” provisions of a prior law were extended, and the law allows the commission to decide when a fee increase would be needed. In this way, the commission will not have to come to the Legislature each time it must issue a fee increase. Happily, to date, the commission has not found it necessary to raise any fees.
Many bills are being considered this session that relate to each commission. I have drafted a bill that will address the growing problem of abandoned boats on our waterways. Other upcoming bills address the ownership of exotic animals, the retention and recruitment of water conservation officers and game wardens, and many other matters pertaining to both commissions.
Preserving of our game lands and waterways, and promoting hunting, fishing and boating, are vital parts of the economic well-being of our commonwealth. The dedication of the good people who work on behalf of our sports men and women is worthy of the highest praise.
Please reach out to my office at 412-264-4260 for information on hunting, fishing and boating. My staff and I are available to answer any questions on these and any other state-related issues.
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