Latest news with #SenateBill67
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania bill aims to make Sunday hunting, fur taking legal
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A Pennsylvania Representative has introduced a bill that aims to make hunting schedules more flexible in the Commonwealth. Rep. Mandy Steele argued in her newest bill that some surrounding states around Pennsylvania allow permit hunters to hunt and trap on Sundays, however, the Commonwealth still upholds its 'outdated blue law' that prohibits the practice. Steele noted that Pennsylvania should have more flexible schedules that allow Sunday hunting and fur taking. Steele's legislation would repeal the current Sunday prohibition, which in turn would then: Expand recreational opportunities for Pennsylvania hunters and trappers. Boost wildlife conservation efforts through increased engagement. Enhance economic activity in Pennsylvania's rural areas. Increase revenue collected from the issuance of hunting licenses. More accurately reflect today's modern values, making Pennsylvania an attractive destination for sportsmen and sportswomen. 'Although the Commonwealth has slowly moved to allow limited permissions, fully repealing this prohibition would maximize the benefits, rendering continual hunting schedule and regulation adjustments unnecessary,' Steele said in her bill. Steele's bill was filed in conjunction with Senator Laughlin's Senate Bill 67. The Representative closes her legislation with the argument that the bill supports not only Pennsylvania hunters but also the economy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Sunday hunting is up for debate again in the state House
A white-tailed deer is seen at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming on Aug. 8, 2015. (Tom Koerner/USFWS/CC BY 2.0) The latest effort to expand hunting on Sundays in Pennsylvania passed a key House committee with bipartisan support Tuesday. State Rep. Mandy Steele (D-Allegheny), sponsor of House Bill 1431, described the effort to repeal Pennsylvania's Sunday prohibition on hunting as a 'groundbreaking collaboration' of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Pennsylvania Game Commission, and multiple advocacy groups. The bill passed by a 18-8 vote in the House Game & Fisheries Committee, with every Democrat voting in favor and four Republicans supporting. It will next be considered by the full House. 'In my busy family with four active kids, Sundays are often our only free day of the week,' Steele said. 'Sunday could be an opportunity to educate our children about the great American tradition of protecting wild places and the deep connection to the land that comes through responsible and respectful hunting, a core value among hunters.' Steele said when delving into the issue, she learned that farmers and wildlife biologists think expanding hunting on Sundays would reduce crop damage and help the state's woods by better managing the deer herd. 'We must heed this call from so many so intimately connected with the land,' Steele said, while asking for support to end what she described as the state's 'archaic and harmful prohibition on Sunday hunting.' Gov. Tom Wolf signed a law in 2019 to allow deer hunting on three Sundays: One during archery season, one during rifle season, and one selected by the Game Commission. That law was sponsored by Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie), who authored Senate Bill 67, a companion bill to Steele's proposal. Both Steele and Laughlin's bills would require at least one member of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Board of Commissioners to have an agriculture background. For years, Pennsylvania's 'blue law' prohibition of hunting on Sundays has been a hot-button issue. Supporters argue that expanding hunting on Sundays could help grow the sport, while organizations representing hikers and horseback riders have made the case that Sundays are best left without it, so they can enjoy the outdoors without concerns for their own safety from those hunting. The House passed Steele's proposal to repeal Pennsylvania's Sunday hunting ban last June by a 129-73 vote, although it did not pass the Senate. Laughlin and Steele told the Capital-Star earlier this year they're optimistic this is the session the bill could get across the finish line. State Rep. David Maloney (R-Berks), minority chair of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, voted against the proposal on Tuesday and spoke at-length about his concerns. He discussed his issues with the language about trespassing penalties, the requirement for a member of the agriculture community to be on the Game Commission Board, questioned the effectiveness of the law combatting crop damage and protecting forests, and free time. 'I don't really buy into this idea that another weekend day is going to clear up all the woes of the sportsmen and the Game Commission,' Maloney said. He added that he has never taken a position about whether or not he'd hunt on Sunday, but asked for a no-vote, believing the legislation 'complicates the issue.' In response to Maloney's concerns, Steele emphasized that the bill is being backed by a wide variety of organizations that include the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen and Conservationists, and Hunter Nation. The committee also unanimously approved House Bill 1507, authored by Steele, to allow out-of-state college students living in Pennsylvania to purchase a hunting license for the same price as residents. Steele argued it could boost hunting participation in Pennsylvania. The Game Commission, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen and Conservationists support the bill. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission also offers fishing licenses to out-of-state college students for the same price as residents, but Game Commission license fees must be approved by the General Assembly, according to a co-sponsorship memo. 'For a student surviving on ramen noodles … this could be a deciding factor between participating in the great American outdoor tradition or being priced out entirely,' she added.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kansas extends health care access with new legislation
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) — To address the shortage of health care providers and enhance access to care, especially in rural areas, Governor Laura Kelly has signed Senate Bill 67. The new legislation expands certified registered nurse anesthetists' roles by allowing them to prescribe medications and equipment, improving care access and reducing patient wait times, particularly in underserved areas. Sheriff: Kansas highway detour being ignored; drivers stuck 'We are expanding opportunities for both providers and patients,' Kelly said in a news release. 'This legislation will help address our health care workforce shortage and increase access to care.' The bill empowers 'providers to treat patients across the state in a timely and appropriate manner, which is a win for all,' Sen. Cindy Holscher, D-Overland Park, said. Senate Bill 67 was among several bipartisan measures signed into law this week aimed at enhancing the state's health care infrastructure, lawmakers say. House Bill 2152: Kansas is changing its public funds investment strategy to encourage deposits in local financial institutions. The effort aims to boost economic activity, support local communities, and provide Kansans with more capital for home and business investments. Senate Bill 97: Clarifies that vehicle dealers must apply for a dealer inventory-only title for certain used non-highway vehicles. Senate Bill 89: The Kansas Department of Agriculture can charge a fee to poultry producers who voluntarily participate in the National Poultry Improvement Plan, which aims to eliminate diseases in the poultry industry. House Bill 2359: Simplifies interstate recognition of guardianship orders and increases opportunities for individuals subject to guardianship or conservatorship to be involved in decision-making. House Bill 2338: Authorizes the board of cosmetology to issue temporary permits for guest artists. House Bill 2307: Transfers the prenatal and postnatal diagnosed conditions awareness programs from the Department of Health and Environment to the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Changes proposed to Pennsylvania's Sunday hunting law
(WHTM) — A new bill proposing changes to restrictions for Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania has been introduced to the state's legislature. The bill, Senate Bill 67, was proposed by Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie County). In a memo, Laughlin says the bill aims to 'completely remove the prohibition on Sundays available for hunting and trapping and would leave all wildlife management decisions to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Bill 67 is a re-introduction of a bill that expired in the House before it could be signed on October 8, 2024. State law allows three Sundays to be used for hunting, and the Game Commission assigned one day during archery deer season, one in archery black bear season, and one day in rifle deer season. In a statement from October 2024, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau voiced its support of the bill: Pennsylvania Farm Bureau proudly supports Senate Bill 67, a key piece of legislation developed in collaboration between wildlife groups and the agricultural community to improve wildlife management and address deer overpopulation. With Pennsylvania farmers facing rising input costs and declining net farm income, this legislation provides critical relief by streamlining wildlife management protocols, establishing a voluntary database of reputable hunters, and strengthening trespass penalties. These measures will help farmers better control deer populations, protect their crops, and support the long-term sustainability of agriculture in our state. The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Bill 67 also advocates for organizing the Game Commission into nine competent citizens who are informed on wildlife, with one lead member representing 'the interest in agricultural commodities that pertain to normal agricultural operations and wildlife.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The bill also aims to address the process of reporting deer carcasses killed for crop damage, increase penalties for trespassing, and remove the requirement for hunters to carry written permission when hunting on private property on Sundays. The bill was referred to the Game and Fisheries Committee for consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
PENNSYLVANIA ROUNDUP: Sen. Laughlin reintroduces legislation to repeal Sunday hunting ban
Mar. 3—WILKES-BARRE — Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, this week introduced Senate Bill 67 to fully repeal Pennsylvania's prohibition on Sunday hunting, transferring full authority over wildlife management decisions to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) has now joined in supporting the effort, provided agricultural concerns are addressed in the bill. "For eight years, I have fought to remove this outdated prohibition and expand opportunities for hunters," Laughlin said. "Through open dialogue and collaboration, we've built a consensus. I am pleased that the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau now fully supports this effort and is calling for its passage." Chris Hoffman, president of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, said the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau proudly supports Laughlin's bill — calling it a key piece of legislation developed in collaboration between wildlife groups and the agricultural community to improve wildlife management and address deer overpopulation. "These measures will help farmers better control deer populations, protect their crops, and support the long-term sustainability of agriculture in our state," Hoffman said. Laughlin's bill would have Pennsylvania join the 39 states that have no limits on Sunday hunting. While Act 107 of 2019 permitted hunting on three Sundays, a full repeal is necessary to provide greater access for sportsmen and women, align Pennsylvania with neighboring states, and support conservation efforts. "The Sunday hunting prohibition is one of the last remnants of our commonwealth's antiquated 'Blue Laws,'" Laughlin said. "Hunting is a longstanding tradition, a vital conservation tool, and an economic driver for rural communities. It's time we fully eliminate this restriction." Laughlin emphasized that the bill's support is tied directly to measures addressing agricultural concerns, including solutions to mitigate wildlife-related crop damage. The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's endorsement of this legislation marks a significant milestone in the effort to modernize Pennsylvania's hunting laws. "The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau has been a key partner in ensuring that this legislation addresses the concerns of our agricultural community," Laughlin said. "Their willingness to collaborate and seek balanced solutions has helped shape this bill into a policy that benefits both farmers and hunters." Andy Bater, PFB state board director and chairman of PFB's Wildlife and Fisheries Committee, said delegates representing Pennsylvania Farm Bureau members voted to remove their opposition to Sunday hunting, contingent upon the implementation of significant statutory and regulatory changes addressing crop damage from wildlife and hunting management on farmland. Additionally, expanding Sunday hunting opportunities would provide greater access for individuals with disabilities who rely on companions to assist them in the field. For many, Sunday is the only available day to participate in the sport. Commonwealth Financing Authority seeks feedback on new program Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger this week announced that the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) is seeking public input for the new Mixed-Use Revitalization Program, which will provide grants and loans to boost mixed-use development across Pennsylvania. The CFA is seeking feedback on the program's draft guidelines from commercial or mixed-use developers. The public comment form and draft guidelines are available now through March 5. "Strong communities mean a strong economy, and we welcome feedback for the Mixed-Use Revitalization Program," said Secretary Siger. "Economic development is a team sport, and input from the public will ensure this program has meaningful impact across our Commonwealth." Feedback submitted by community members will help DCED focus and finalize the development of the Mixed-Used Revitalization Program, which was established under Act No. 54 of 2024 and is administered through the CFA. The program provides grants and loans to assist with increasing mixed-use development across the Commonwealth, leveraging private and public resources, and fostering sustainable partnerships committed to addressing community needs. When the program is finalized, developers will be able to apply for either a grant or a loan for eligible projects. Mixed-Use Redevelopment Projects are community revitalization projects that promote economic growth and include commercial assets. Projects may also include residential development opportunities. Examples include but are not limited to existing and former malls and similar commercial properties. Eligible projects must: —Be situated on at least 15 acres of land. —Contain at least 200,000 square feet of proposed development that has not received a certificate of occupancy as of July 11, 2024. —Be zoned for the planned end use. AG Sunday celebrates National Consumer Protection Week During National Consumer Protection Week, March 3-7, the Office of Attorney General will highlight and share information about their year-round efforts to protect consumer rights, and help people learn to detect, report, and avoid scams. The AG will also share consumer protection tips on social media throughout the week, including overviews of the Bureau of Consumer Protection's work this past year, information about the office's Civil Rights Enforcement Section and Health Care Section, and tips on purchasing a used car, how to identify and prevent scams. "One of the core functions of the Office of Attorney General is to protect consumers," Ag Sunday said. "During National Consumer Protection Week, I want all Pennsylvanians to understand the resources available to them if they believe they may be a victim of fraud. Last year, our office directly helped consumers save and recover more than $16 million, and we will continue to fight for Pennsylvanians." In 2024, the Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection saved consumers more than $11.8 million through mediation efforts and secured $4.8 million in restitution through legal actions. Attorney General Sunday highlighted a few of the consumer protection actions taken in the past year: —Distributed more than $800,000 to victims of Vision Property Management after consumers were unlawfully evicted from their homes or vacated them after unlawful "rent-to-own" contracts were not upheld. —Returned nearly $3 million to consumers through settlements with Community Loans of America and Progressive Leasing following earlier settlement agreements. —Data breaches continue to become more common so the Office of Attorney General launched an online portal for companies to report data breaches that impact Pennsylvanians. —$35,000 was returned to victims of the alleged unlawful billing, leasing, and debt collection practices of A.R. Building Company, Inc. The lawsuit alleged that A.R. Building arbitrarily inflated repair costs that the company billed to tenants for alleged damage to apartments. —A settlement with SoLo Funds, Inc., a California based-lending platform that solicited tips and donations from potential borrowers, resulted in $158,000 in restitution to be distributed to consumers. Other consumers also received a write off of their total debt to SoLo funds. —A settlement with Equifax over a coding error that lowered many consumers' credit score netted Pennsylvania $470,000 after impacting more than 51,000 Pennsylvania borrowers. If you believe you were harmed by a business, you can file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection in a variety of ways, go to: Or call the hotline: 1-800-441-2555 Or email: scams@ Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
