Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB439

Introduced
3/14/23  

Caption

In property and buildings, further providing for price paid for acquisitions and improvements.

Impact

The passage of SB 439 is expected to streamline the process of acquiring land for game purposes, helping the state efficiently manage and conserve game lands. By allowing the Commission to adjust the price based on local market values, the bill aims to ensure that state funding goes further in acquiring lands that are critical for wildlife habitats. This can enhance the state's conservation efforts and improve recreational opportunities for residents engaging in hunting and wildlife observation.

Summary

Senate Bill 439 amends Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning game lands and the price for acquisitions and improvements. This legislation allows the Pennsylvania Game Commission to set a price for lands designated as game lands that is considered fair and reasonable, based on local market values and excluding certain federal and cost-sharing funds. This change seeks to provide the Commission more flexibility in acquiring land necessary for the management and conservation of wildlife.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 439 appears generally supportive, particularly among those in the conservation community and outdoor recreational sectors. Advocates believe that the ability to set prices based on local conditions will be beneficial for future acquisitions and for the management of game lands. However, some local governments and property owners may express concerns regarding the valuation process and the potential for conflicts over land prices.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the criteria used to determine what constitutes a 'fair and reasonable' price for land acquisitions. Stakeholders may question the transparency and integrity of the pricing mechanisms employed by the Game Commission. Additionally, the exclusions of federal and cost-sharing funds in the determination of prices could lead to debates about the adequacy of funding for land acquisition and improvements, potentially impacting community input and involvement in the process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1811

In property and buildings, further providing for price paid for acquisitions and improvements.

PA HB1075

In property and buildings, further providing for price paid for acquisitions and improvements.

PA HB743

In land banks, further providing for acquisition of property and providing for municipal acquisition of real property.

PA SB698

In grounds and buildings, further providing for acquisition of buildings, sites for school buildings and playgrounds, and disposing thereof; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA HB1464

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in procedure to condemn, providing for advanced notice to condemnee, further providing for notice to condemnee and for preliminary objections and providing for determination of last resort; in procedure for determining damages, further providing for liens and distribution of damages; in just compensation and measure of damages, further providing for measure of damages and providing for compensation for loss of goodwill of business or farm operation; and, in evidence, providing for proof of continuous ownership.

PA HB2205

In turnpike, further providing for acquisition of property rights by commission and for procedural requirements of acquisition, repealing provisions relating to entry and possession of property condemned and prohibiting condemnation by commission.

PA SB243

In disposition of Commonwealth surplus land, further providing for limited definitions, for annual property survey, for property disposition and for conditions upon conveyances; and making an editorial change.

PA HB2346

In property rights, further providing for equitable division of marital property; and, in alimony and support, further providing for alimony.

PA SB857

In powers and duties in general, providing for real property acquisition limitations.

PA HB1189

In disposition of abandoned and unclaimed property, further providing for claim for property paid or delivered.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.