Senate Game and Fisheries
 
HARRISBURG - (6/19/07, 10:30 a.m., Room 8E-A, East Wing)
 
The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee held a meeting to consider three bills.
 
HB 13 Readshaw - (PN 1536) Amends "An act encouraging landowners to make land and water areas available to the public for recreational purposes by limiting liability in connection therewith and repealing certain acts" by stating that an owner of land who either directly or indirectly invites or permits any person to use his property for recreational purposes does not assume responsibility for or incur liability for any injury to persons or property caused while hunting as defined in 34 PA.C.S. Sec. 102 (relating to definitions). (Prior Printer Number: 38, 1439, 1447) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.
 
HB 881 Haluska - (PN 1035) Amends Title 34 (Game) further providing for exceptions to unlawful use of lights while hunting by adding that person may not use a flashlight or spotlight held in their hand or worn on their head to create the sole source of power for taking furbearers. - The bill was unanimously reported as amended.
A01484 by Senator Wayne Fontana (D-Allegheny), clears up the language defining what is permissible for the use of spotlights while hunting with firearms, and allows the light to be mounted to the firearm. The amendment was unanimously adopted.
Senator John Eichelberger (R-Blair) inquired into when the amendment was presented to the Committee. Chairman Charles McIlhinney (R-Bucks) replied that he crafted the amendment initially, but the language of Senator Fontana's version was better, so his amendment was offered instead.
Senator John Pippy (R-Allegheny) questioned the reasoning behind the amendment. The Chairman answered that the amendment addresses issues of safety. The use of laser sights would be prohibited as well, he noted.
Senator Eichelberger asked if the amendment was contradictory. Chairman McIlhinney explained that the bill allows for spotlighting while hunting and the amendment clarifies the language concerning the use lasers.
A01461 by Chairman McIlhinney, provides for the killing of game for the protection of crops from wildlife damage.  (Allows for a special permit to be given to the farmers to allow a designated person to do the shooting.) The amendment was unanimously adopted.
 
HB 778 Staback - (PN 845) Amends Title 30 (Fish) further providing for classification of offenses and penalties, for chemical testing to determine amount of alcohol or controlled substances and for operating watercraft under influence of alcohol or controlled substance. - The bill was unanimously reported as amended.
A01568 by Chairman McIlhinney, grants the authority to judges to use house arrest in the sentencing of those found guilty of a DUI conviction. The amendment was unanimously adopted.