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HB 2316

An Act designating the Scarlet Tanager as the official migratory bird of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Barger and 22 co-sponsors

HB 2316 designates the Scarlet Tanager as Pennsylvania’s official migratory bird, aiming to boost awareness, education, and habitat conservation efforts.

Referred to Game & Fisheries
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Bill Summary · HB 2316

Summary of HB 2316 (Session 2025-2026) — Pennsylvania

Title: An Act designating the Scarlet Tanager as the official migratory bird of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Note: The text provided for HB 2316 appears alongside a large, mixed record from other federal and state items, making it unclear where the Pennsylvania bill’s text sits within the excerpt. The summary below focuses on the stated bill title and its likely substantive impact, based on typical designations of official state symbols.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Designation: The bill would designate the Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) as the official migratory bird of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  • Rationale (implicit): Official symbols (state birds, flowers, etc.) are commonly adopted to promote awareness, education, and conservation of the designated species, often highlighting regional biodiversity and natural heritage.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Official Migratory Bird Designation:
    • Name of symbol: Scarlet Tanager designated as Pennsylvania’s official migratory bird.
    • Scope: Applies to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, likely at the state level and within official state materials, branding, and educational outreach.
  • Impact on Programs and Materials (typical for symbol designations):
    • Education and Outreach: Could prompt inclusion of the Scarlet Tanager in school curricula, state-sponsored educational resources, and interpretive signage in parks and wildlife areas.
    • Conservation and Awareness: May encourage state agencies (e.g., Pennsylvania Game Commission, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) to promote habitat conservation and monitoring relevant to migratory bird species, particularly the Scarlet Tanager.
    • Commemorative Activities: Possible authorization for official ceremonies, proclamations, or public events recognizing the species and its ecological role.

Note: The exact language, including any statutory definitions, enforcement provisions, or funding implications, is not fully evident in the provided excerpt. If the bill includes a “designate” clause without creating financial appropriations, the designation would primarily influence symbolic and educational activities rather than creating new duties or expenditures.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Primary:
    • The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its residents.
    • State agencies involved in wildlife, education, tourism, and natural resources.
  • Secondary:
    • Public and private educational institutions and nonprofit conservation groups that use state symbols in programs.
    • Communities and ecosystems where Scarlet Tanagers are present, via potential emphasis on habitat preservation and biodiversity awareness.

4) Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Legislative Process:
    • As with typical designation bills, passage by both chambers (House and Senate) and the Governor’s signature would finalize the designation.
    • If enacted, the designation would take effect upon publication in the official statutes or upon the specified effective date in the bill.
  • Implementation:
    • No explicit mandate in the summary for new funding, regulatory changes, or administrative rules beyond symbolic designation. If no appropriations are included, implementation would largely involve educational and commemorative activities within existing agency programs.
  • Review and Revisions:
    • Designation bills are straightforward, but lawmakers may amend to add funding, interpretive guidance, or related habitat initiatives.

5) Additional Context (If Available)

  • Similar state designations:
    • Several states designate official birds or migratory birds to promote conservation and public awareness. The Scarlet Tanager is known for its striking male plumage and is a migratory species that breeds in eastern North America, including Pennsylvania.
  • Conservation Considerations:
    • While symbolic, such designations can bolster public interest in bird habitat preservation and birdwatching, potentially supporting broader conservation efforts.

If you can provide the exact text of HB 2316 or clarify the excerpt’s placement, I can refine this summary to reflect any specific provisions, definitions, or funding provisions contained in the bill.

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

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