February 2012
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Joint Public Hearing Held on “Hatchery Cost Savings Work Group Report”

A joint public hearing was held today, with the Senate and House Game and Fisheries Committees meeting to hear a summary of the “Hatchery Cost Savings Work Group Report.” The report is the work of an 11 member team formed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, composed of representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries, the Bureau of Law Enforcement, and the Bureau of Engineering and Property Services. The finished report included 11 recommendations for cost reduction and revenue generation for Pennsylvania Hatcheries. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.


Senate Committee Discusses Fishing License Flexibility

The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee held a public hearing today to discuss SB 1049 – legislation sponsored by Minority Chairmen Sen. Richard Kasunic which would create licensing options in an effort to reverse the trend of declining license sales in the state.  Representatives from the Fish and Boating commission offered testimony in support of the Bill and discussed the various strategies that they would like to see implemented to increase the number of fishing  license sales in Pennsylvania.  These strategies included multi-year licenses, reduced fees and “value added” incentives.  Representatives from the State Council of Trout Unlimited and the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen’s Club also expressed strong support for the legislation.  Check out the Committee news section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.

Senate Game and Fisheries – Off the Floor

The committee reported out four bills amending Title 34 (Game). Reported as amended was HB 1859 which significantly increases the fines and penalties for certain violations of the code and SB 1026 providing for the implementation of a “Governor’s Elk Tag”. Reported as committed were HB 181 clarifying the law enforcement powers and duties of Wildlife Conservation Officers and Deputy Conservation Officers and HB 1523 lowering the blood alcohol content of adults for determination of hunting or furtaking under the influence of alcohol. The committee also reported as committed SB 1200 which mandates the Commonwealth to join the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

Senate State Government – 12:30 p.m.

The committee conducted a public hearing on the Department of General Services 2009 Proposed Real Property Disposition Plan. Properties in the plan included the Scotland School for Veterans’ Children; two staff residences at the State Correctional Institute-Chester; and a vacant lot at Edinboro University. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.

Senate Game & Fisheries – 12:00 noon

The Senate Game Committee held a hearing this morning to receive an update from the Fish and Boat Commission on the commission’s annual report. PFBC Executive Director Doug Austen highlighted the commission’s activities and suggested alternative funding sources so the commission is not faced with significant fee increases every 7-10 years.

Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later this evening.

Senate Game & Fisheries – 9:30 a.m.

The committee voted to report as committed SB 301, SB 302, SB 535, and HB 281. They also voted to report as amended SB 574 and HB 92. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.

Senate Game and Fisheries – 12:00 p.m.

Carl Roe, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission delivered the Commission’s annual report to the committee. Roe stated “we are proud of our accomplishments over the past fiscal year and we took a very fugal approach to our spending as we strive to fulfill our mission.” Committee members inquired about the deer population, mentored youth program and the wind energy voluntary cooperative agreement. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.