HARRISBURG – The Senate Game & Fisheries Committee reported to the full Senate legislation that seeks to increase the minimum fine and raises the penalty for killing or unlawfully taking a bald or golden eagle in Pennsylvania, according to Committee Chairman Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49).
Sponsored by Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-18), Senate Bill 337, would increase the fine from $200 to $2,000 in each instance of someone killing an eagle. The Federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act would continue to apply, with any punishment pursuant to Senate Bill 337 imposed in addition to existing state and federal penalties. This change is consistent with a rulemaking adopted by the PA Game Commission last fall. The bill also increases the grading of an offense for killing or unlawfully taking an eagle.
According to Sen. Boscola, while regulations and protective efforts have proved to be successful for the eagle population’s rebound in recent decades, and they have officially been removed from the Commonwealth’s threatened species list, they still need to be further protected from unlawful takings.
Contact: Matt Azeles mazeles@pasen.gov