HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34) to ensure more efficient operations from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has passed the Senate unanimously.
Currently, PFBC revenues are generated through fishing license and permit fees, boat registration fees, fines and penalties, federal funds and excise taxes. These revenues are then directed into either the Fish Fund or the Boat Fund, with no crossover permitted. This rigidity has led to inefficiencies and higher costs for boaters and anglers.
“Statutory limitations are preventing the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission from being financially efficient,” Rothman said. “Commonsense flexibility is needed to keep license prices low and increase access for boaters and anglers.”
Senate Bill 800 permits Fish Fund dollars to be used for expenditures and programs that benefit boaters and Boat Fund dollars to be used for expenditures and programs that benefit anglers, so long as they also benefit the original intent of the respective funds. This flexibility will help the PFBC realize greater efficiencies and avoid raising license costs.
“Residents of our Commonwealth rightfully expect government to operate efficiently,” Rothman said. “Every dollar managed and spent by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission should be used as effectively as possible for the benefit of anglers and boaters, alike.”
The legislation will now be sent to the House for consideration.
CONTACT: Morgan Wagner