HB 159 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending Titles 30 (Fish) and 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in protection of property and waters, further providing for restrictions on transport, sale, importation or release of nonnative injurious fish; and, in game or wildlife protection, further providing for unlawful importation of game or wildlife.

HB 159 amends Pennsylvania law to strengthen penalties for illegally transporting, selling, importing, or releasing nonnative fish and wildlife. It directly affects individuals, businesses, or organizations handling nonnative species, including pet trade sellers, anglers, and conservation groups. The bill increases misdemeanor penalties: violations involving non-native fish become third-degree misdemeanors for negligence or first-degree for intentional acts, while violations with endangered/threatened species escalate to second-degree (negligent/intentional) misdemeanors. It clarifies that each animal, egg, or fish involved in a violation counts as a separate offense, intensifying consequences for repeated or large-scale violations. The changes aim to better protect Pennsylvania's ecosystems and native species from invasive threats.
Bill status in committee 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
House Passage
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2025 Last action Mar 24, 2025
Floor votes · House Mar 24, 2025

How they voted

250
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 26
Mar 24, 2025
D Democratic14
14 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican12
11 Yea 1
91% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Mar 24, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (25-0-1)
house
Mar 24, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported as committed
lower
Jan 16, 2025
Committee
Referred to Game & Fisheries
lower
1 primary · 14 co-sponsors

Sponsors