HB 2365 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for junior hunter projects; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for prima facie evidence of hunting and repealing provisions relating to trapping exception for certain persons; in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for license requirements, for eligibility for license and for unlawful acts concerning licenses; and, in special licenses and permits, further providing for permit fees.

HB 2365 updates Pennsylvania's game laws by clarifying definitions, expanding opportunities for young hunters, and adjusting rules for unlicensed individuals participating in hunts. The bill establishes free hunting days for qualified juniors and creates prima facie evidence that allows licensed hunters to assist others who are not yet licensed, provided the unlicensed person stays within sight and does not possess a firearm. Additionally, it repeals an exception that previously allowed children under 12 to trap without a license and tightens requirements to ensure only one active hunting license is held at any time.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2026
Committee Review
Jun 2026
House Passage
Jun 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Apr 8, 2026 Last action Jun 5, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Printer's No. PN3146 Printer's No. PN3190 · 4 edits
MODERATE
The bill was updated from an original version to a revised version that adds specific permit fee amounts for fur dealers, clarifies the definition of 'accompany' to exclude electronic amplification devices, and expands the list of sections being amended to include new permit fee provisions.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to explicitly include amendments regarding special licenses and permits, specifically adding fee structures for fur dealers.
FISCAL

Added specific fee amounts for fur dealer permits, setting the annual fee for both residents and nonresidents at $50.

DEFINITION

Updated the definition of 'accompany' to require that verbal instructions be understood without the aid of electronic or sound amplification devices.

REQUIREMENT

Expanded the list of sections amended in the bill to include Section 2904, which establishes permit fees.

Added a provision allowing a person who has lawfully reached their bag or season limit to assist others in hunting or furtaking.

Floor votes · House Jun 2, 2026

How they voted

10596
Passed
Total votes 201
Jun 2, 2026
D Democratic102
102 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican99
3 Yea 96 Nay
96% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
3
Committee
4
Amendments
1
Jun 5, 2026
Committee
Referred to Game & Fisheries
upper
Jun 2, 2026
Lower · Passed
Third consideration and final passage
lower
Jun 2, 2026
Lower · Passed
Re-reported as committed
lower
Jun 1, 2026
Committee
Re-committed to Appropriations
lower
Apr 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported as amended
lower
Apr 8, 2026
Committee
Referred to Game & Fisheries
lower
1 primary · 7 co-sponsors

Sponsors