HARRISBURG – Legislation spearheaded by Senator Greg Rothman (R-34) to safeguard sportsmen’s constitutional rights and provide relief to farmers facing crop damage received final Senate approval today.
Senate Bill 518, now on its way to the Governor’s desk, removes unconstitutional provisions from Title 34 (Game Code) to ensure sportsmen’s Constitutional rights are protected. Currently, the Game Code includes sections that compel individuals to answer questions from Game Commission representatives, a clear violation of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 9 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, which protect against self-incrimination.
“It must be unequivocally clear that our Fifth Amendment rights are not forfeited when participating in recreational or sporting activities,” Senator Rothman stated.
The bill was amended to also incorporate language from Rothman’s Senate Bill 517, which aims to foster greater collaboration between farmers and hunters. This crucial amendment provides common-sense procedural relief for farmers enrolled in crop deprivation programs, allowing them to transport harvested animals directly to processors. This would streamline the process, reduce waste, and boost donations to charitable feeding programs. Furthermore, the legislation would ensure that one of the nine members of the Game Commission Board have an agricultural background, acknowledging that a significant portion of deer in Pennsylvania are harvested on private farmlands.
“Our farmers are facing immense challenges from wildlife crop damage, and this legislation offers real, tangible relief,” Rothman emphasized. “This legislation is a testament to how hunters and farmers can collaborate to find effective solutions that benefit everyone.”
“The legislation passed today by the Senate protects personal and private property rights, eliminates burdensome regulations, and grants farmers greater autonomy to mitigate crop damage, all while expanding hunting opportunities,” Rothman continued. “This is a win for all involved.”
CONTACT: Morgan Wagner