By Blake Jackson
The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau welcomed the Senate’s approval of Senate Bill 518 and House Bill 1431 on June 26, marking a significant step forward in helping farmers combat crop damage. Both bills passed with strong bipartisan support and address critical issues related to wildlife management and agricultural sustainability.
Senate Bill 518, introduced by Senator Greg Rothman, amends the Pennsylvania Game Code to protect individuals’ rights by clarifying that they cannot be compelled to answer questions from Game Commission representatives, in line with the Fifth Amendment.
This bill passed the House with a 199-3 vote and received unanimous Senate concurrence. It now awaits the governor’s signature to become law.
House Bill 1431, introduced by Mandy Steele, aims to address the growing problem of deer overpopulation, which causes significant crop losses and financial strain for farmers.
The bill increases trespass penalties and repeals Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban, expanding hunting opportunities while safeguarding landowners through clear permission requirements.
It passed the Senate 34-16 and will return to the House for final approval before heading to the governor.
Several priorities from House Bill 1431 were incorporated into Senate Bill 518. The latter streamlines the crop damage reporting process and carcass handling requirements, reducing regulatory burdens on farmers. It also ensures that the Pennsylvania Game Commission includes a member actively engaged in agriculture, bridging the gap between farming and wildlife management.
“Pennsylvania Farm Bureau proudly supports Senate Bill 518 and House Bill 1431, key pieces of legislation developed in collaboration between wildlife groups and the agricultural community to improve wildlife management and address deer overpopulation,” said Chris Hoffman, President of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
“These measures will help farmers better control deer populations, protect their crops, and support the long-term sustainability of agriculture in our state. We thank the general assembly for getting these important bills across the finish line and we look forward to using the tools they gave us to mitigate crop damage and help protect the profitability of our farms."
The legislation reflects ongoing collaboration among farmers, hunting groups, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Deer-related damage and accidents continue to rise, with USDA data showing over $35 million in crop losses in 2017 and PennDOT reporting thousands of deer-related crashes annually, resulting in injuries and fatalities. This new law aims to help reduce these impacts and protect both farmers and communities.
Photo Credit: pa-farm-bureau
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy