HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Senate has approved legislation that would empower the Pennsylvania Game Commission to allow hunting on up to three Sundays, according to Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49) prime sponsor of the bill.
“I was pleased to work with my colleague Jim Brewster to move this bill forward. [It] was a historic vote, as it takes a major step toward increasing recreational opportunities for the thousands of Pennsylvania sportsmen and women who enjoy hunting,” said Laughlin.
“This will remove one of only two ‘Blue Laws’ remaining in the state of Pennsylvania. You can’t hunt and you can’t buy a car on Sunday in Pennsylvania.”
Senate Bill 147 also would amend the Pennsylvania Game Code to address the offense of trespass while hunting. It would make the violation a primary offense and as well as increase the penalties.
“Weekends are the only free time for many hunters,” Laughlin said. “Those two days are essentially the only time that most working men and women can get out into the woods.
“The same could be said for many young people, the ones who represent the future of the sport. Lifting the ban will give them increased opportunities to pursue the activity that they love.”
Senate Bill 147 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
