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HR 468

A Resolution urging municipal governments and encouraging farmers, landowners and residents throughout Pennsylvania to open their lands to public hunting and make greater use of existing deer management programs and permits available through the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jill Cooper and 7 co-sponsors

Urges local governments, farmers, and residents to open lands for public hunting and to expand use of existing Pennsylvania Game Commission deer management programs and permits.

Laid on the table (Pursuant to House Rule 71)
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Bill Summary · HR 468

Bill Summary: HR 468 (2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Overview

  • Bill type: House Resolution (HR)
  • State jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Title: A Resolution urging municipal governments and encouraging farmers, landowners and residents throughout Pennsylvania to open their lands to public hunting and make greater use of existing deer management programs and permits available through the Pennsylvania Game Commission
  • Current status: Reported as committed (April 14, 2026). Previously referred to the Game & Fisheries Committee (April 8, 2026).
  • Sponsors:
    • Co-sponsors: Ed Neilson, Mandy Steele, Jill Cooper, Anita Kulik, Lee James, Eddie Pashinski, David Rowe, Arvind Venkat

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim is to encourage local governments, farmers, landowners, and residents across Pennsylvania to open privately and publicly held lands to public hunting.
  • It also seeks to promote greater utilization of existing deer management programs and permits administered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC).
  • The resolution is non-binding and serves to advocate for policy and practical actions at the local and landholding level, rather than creating new statutory mandates.

Key Provisions (Substantive Elements)

As a resolution, HR 468 does not typically enact new laws or create mandatory requirements. Instead, it:

  • Urges municipal governments to consider and facilitate access for public hunting on lands they control or influence.
  • Encourages farmers, landowners, and residents to participate in and support deer management efforts, leveraging existing PGC permits and programs.
  • Promotes collaboration with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to utilize current deer management tools, such as permits, programs, and guidance designed to regulate deer populations and reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
  • Highlights deer management objectives (implicitly): reducing deer overpopulation in certain areas, enhancing habitat, and addressing safety, crop damage, and ecological balance through controlled hunting activities.
  • Emphasizes using existing statutory and regulatory mechanisms rather than creating new ones, aligning with current PGC authorities.

Affected Entities and Stakeholders

  • Municipalities and local governments: Encouraged to facilitate access and coordination for hunting on lands within or governed by local authorities.
  • Farmers and landowners: Encouraged to participate in deer management and permit programs; potential beneficiaries include access to hunting as a wildlife management tool and potential economic or agricultural benefits.
  • Residents and recreational hunters: Indirect beneficiaries through expanded hunting opportunities and enhanced deer management outcomes.
  • Pennsylvania Game Commission: Acts as the administrator of deer management programs and permits; the resolution advocates making fuller use of existing programs.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduced/Referral: Referred to the Game & Fisheries Committee (April 8, 2026).
  • Committee action: Reported as committed (April 14, 2026), indicating passage would be recommended for consideration by the full House.
  • Nature of action: As a resolution, it does not create enforceable mandates or funding; it expresses the legislative body’s position and encouragement to various stakeholders.

Potential Impact

  • By signaling legislative support, HR 468 could spur local coordination efforts, public awareness, and greater participation in deer management programs.
  • May lead to increased opportunities for public hunting on lands near towns and farms, potentially improving wildlife management outcomes and reducing deer-related damage.
  • Does not require changes in law or funding; any concrete changes would depend on actions taken by municipalities, landowners, and the PGC in response to the resolution.

If you’d like, I can compare HR 468 to current Pennsylvania deer management statutes or provide a brief FAQ for hunters and landowners.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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