In general provisions relating to fish and fishing, further providing for rules and regulations.
Summary
SB1213 amends Title 30 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to expressly authorize the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to adopt rules and regulations governing the methods of taking fish by snatching, foul hooking, or snagging. The bill does not itself create a statewide ban or permission for those practices in all circumstances; instead, it clarifies that regulations may be promulgated in this area and sets the penalty for violating any such regulation as a summary offense of the first degree.
The measure is narrow and technical, focused on enforcement authority within the state’s fish and fishing laws. It would take effect 60 days after enactment and would affect anglers subject to Fish and Boat Commission regulations, particularly in contexts where snagging or similar methods are restricted or managed.
Impact
If enacted, SB1213 would amend section 2102 of Title 30 by adding a new subsection that explicitly permits regulatory action on snatch fishing, foul hooking, and snag fishing. This would strengthen the legal basis for the Fish and Boat Commission to regulate these fishing methods and would attach a first-degree summary offense penalty to violations of those regulations, potentially increasing enforcement leverage against unlawful fishing practices.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the available record suggests a neutral, administrative tone rather than a controversial policy debate. The bill appears aimed at clarifying regulatory authority and enforcement rather than changing broad fishing policy, so there is no documented support or opposition in the provided materials.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is whether the Fish and Boat Commission should have explicit authority to regulate snatching, foul hooking, and snagging, and whether violations should be treated as a first-degree summary offense. Anglers who use or are affected by these methods may view the measure as a tightening of enforcement, while conservation or enforcement interests may support it as a tool to protect fish populations and maintain fair fishing practices. No specific stakeholder positions are included in the provided transcripts or votes.
In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in rules of the road in general, further providing for maximum speed limits, providing for maximum speed limits enforced by local law enforcement officers with RADAR and further providing for speed timing devices; and imposing penalties.
In fishing licenses, providing for indigenous Americans fishing licenses; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for resident license and fee exemptions.
In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in rules of the road in general, further providing for maximum speed limits, providing for maximum speed limits enforced by local law enforcement officers with RADAR and further providing for speed timing devices; and imposing penalties.
In fishing licenses, providing for law enforcement; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for resident license and fee exemptions and for license costs and fees.
In rules of the road in general, further providing for additional parking regulations; and, in special vehicles and pedestrians, further providing for riding on roadways and pedalcycle paths.
In fishing licenses, further providing for disabled veterans and former prisoners of war and for deployed Pennsylvania National Guard members and repealing provisions relating to reserve component of armed forces members.