Pennsylvania 2025_0 Regular Session Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 5 D · 1 R cosponsors

SB 1496 — An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for denial or revocation of licenses and for period of revocation.

Last action — Referred to GAME AND FISHERIES, Oct. 14, 2026

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced October 14, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the Senate.

Prognosis

Advancing 42% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

Low

How often bills like it became law.

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 6 sponsors

    1 primary, 5 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (5 D · 1 R) — cross-party backing.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

In plain language

This bill strengthens regulations on unlawful hunting methods and enhances license revocation measures.

The bill adds restrictions on hunting devices, specifically prohibiting the beating of game. It also allows for the revocation of hunting licenses for those convicted of related offenses.

What this means for you
  • Workers: This bill may impact hunting professionals by imposing stricter methods and potential penalties.

Summary

Strengthening Wildlife Protections Against Animal Cruelty

Bill Text

How this bill changes current law

4 changes Share ↗

Compared against the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill adds provisions for the denial or revocation of hunting licenses related to violations of unlawful methods and aggravated cruelty to animals.

  • 18 Pa.C.S. § 5534

    or a similar offense in another state.

    The amendment allows for license denial if a person has been convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals or a similar offense in another state.

  • Section 2308(a)

    (9.2) A device or method that involves the beating of game or wildlife.

    The bill adds a new provision that specifically prohibits the use of devices or methods involving the beating of game or wildlife.

  • Section 2741(b)

    (2) Has been accused of having violated any of the following provisions even though such person has not been convicted of a violation of these sections: (i) Section 2308(a)(9.2) (relating to unlawful devices and methods).

    The amendment allows for license revocation based on accusations of violating unlawful devices and methods, not just convictions.

  • Section 2742

    (d) Revocation of privilege.--Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, the commission may, for a period determined by the commission, deny the privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere in this Commonwealth, with or without a license, to: (1) Any person described in section 2741(b)(2)(i) or (3) (relating to denial or revocation of licenses).

    The bill establishes a new subsection allowing for broad denial of hunting privileges related to certain defined offenses.

Action History

  1. Referred to GAME AND FISHERIES, Oct. 14, 2026

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 5 co-sponsors · 247 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (5)

Not signed on (247)

247 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

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Frequently asked questions

What does SB 1496 do?
Strengthening Wildlife Protections Against Animal Cruelty
Who sponsors SB 1496?
SB 1496 is sponsored by Lisa M. Boscola (Democratic), Steven J. Santarsiero (Democratic), Carolyn T. Comitta (Democratic), Jay Costa (Democratic), Art Haywood (Democratic), and Elder A. Vogel (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 1496?
This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced October 14, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track SB 1496?
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Last checked for changes 14 days ago · updated continuously

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