November 27, 2019
Harrisburg – November 27, 2019—Legislation permitting hunting on three Sundays throughout the year was signed into law today by Gov. Tom Wolf, according to Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland.)
Brewster co-prime sponsored the measure (Senate Bill 147) along with Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie.)
This bill provides for hunting on three Sundays: one during rifle deer season, one in statewide archery deer season and a third to be determined by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
The bill also makes trespassing while hunting a primary offense and increases the penalties for trespassing. It also requires written permission from a landowner to hunt on any of the Sundays.
Brewster’s statement on the signing follows:
“This bill is a result of a collaborative effort of major stakeholders. This new law will create opportunities for hunters in Pennsylvania to get into the field and generate additional revenue that can be used to address chronic wasting disease which is fatal to deer and elk.
“I want to thank Senator Dan Laughlin, supporters in the state House, and all who are interested in Sunday hunting for their advocacy of this important legislation.”
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October 23, 2019
Harrisburg – October 23, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland), who co-authored Senate legislation to permit hunting on three Sundays per year, today said he is encouraged by the bill’s advance toward a final vote in the state House of Representatives.
Brewster said the House Game and Fisheries Committee’s approval (21-4) of Senate Bill 147 is an excellent step forward as the measure works its way through the legislative process.
“There has been plenty of discussion and a thorough examination of this proposal in both the Senate and now the state House,” Brewster said. “House committee approval puts the legislation on a path toward it ultimately becoming law.”
Brewster, who worked with co-author Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) to push the measure through the Senate (36-14) earlier this year, said strong support from sportsmen and women plus changes made to the proposal to accommodate farmers and property owners helped build a strong coalition in support of Sunday hunting.
“As a lifelong sportsman, I support Sunday hunting,” Brewster said. “I also recognize that farmers and landowners have issues related to Sunday hunting that deserve consideration. The bill strikes a good balance and will be widely accepted in communities across the state.”
If the bill is approved by the House, Brewster said it must return to the Senate. Given the bipartisan authorship and support across the Senate chamber, he predicted that the Senate would accept the current House amendments and advance the bill to the governor for his signature.
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Contact: Tim Joyce
Phone: 412 380-2242
Email: Timothy.Joyce@pasenate.com
