How SB 517 changes current law

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

The bill amends existing law to provide more specific penalties for trespassing while hunting and introduces a new program for connecting landowners with hunters to manage wildlife-related damage.

• 34 Pa.C.S. § 2314

  or is fenced or enclosed in a manner manifestly designed to exclude trespassers; or

  The clause regarding fencing or enclosing land as a form of trespass notification is modified to streamline the text.

• 34 Pa.C.S. § 2314

  . → ; or

  An additional clause for trespass is added regarding purple paint marks indicating trespass notifications.

• 34 Pa.C.S. § 2314

  third degree. → second degree

  The grading of penalty for certain hunting-related trespasses is elevated from a summary offense of third degree to a summary offense of second degree.

• 34 Pa.C.S. § 2314

  . → and shall result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of three years.

  Penalties for defying orders communicated by landowners become more severe by adding the potential loss of hunting privileges.

• 34 Pa.C.S. § 2314

  one year → five years

  The forfeiture penalty for repeat offenders of hunting-related trespass becomes five years instead of one year.

• § 2931. Agriculture access permit list. No later than January 1, 2026, the commission shall develop and implement a program to connect landowners experiencing wildlife-related damage with qualified hunters who are available to assist in wildlife population control.

  Establishes a new program to connect landowners with qualified hunters for wildlife management.