Environment (Wildlife)

This resolution directs Pennsylvania's Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study wild native terrestrial invertebrate management - including bees, butterflies, worms, and beetles - and issue a report. The study will evaluate existing state laws (like the Conservation and Natural Resources Act of 1995), compare other states' conservation approaches, and assess the ecological and economic value of these species (noting their $250+ million annual contribution to agriculture through pollination). It does not create new laws but aims to clarify agency responsibilities and identify gaps in conservation efforts. The report will inform future policy decisions affecting state agencies like DCNR, the Department of Agriculture, and wildlife commissions.

HB 1736 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration rules to update the process for obtaining special "wild resource conservation" license plates. These plates allow vehicle owners to contribute additional fees directly to state wildlife conservation programs. The bill modifies specific registration procedures for these plates within the state's vehicle registration system. It directly affects drivers who choose these plates and the conservation programs funded by the extra fees.

HB 441 amends Pennsylvania's Wild Resource Conservation Act to explicitly include wild native terrestrial invertebrates (such as insects and spiders) in conservation management. It adds definitions for these species and establishes a policy framework for their protection within the existing legal structure. The bill directly affects wildlife management practices by requiring state agencies to consider invertebrate conservation in planning. This update fills a gap in the 1982 law, which previously did not specifically address invertebrate species. The bill passed final passage on October 7, 2025, and was referred to the Environmental Resources & Energy committee.

SB 879 makes it unlawful in Pennsylvania to release helium-filled balloons (non-biodegradable or non-photodegradable) that could harm wildlife, livestock, or pets, directly affecting event organizers, businesses, and individuals who release such balloons. Exceptions include educational/research releases by institutions, hot air balloons recovered after launch, religious ceremonies with permits, and biodegradable balloons. Violators face a $5 civil penalty per balloon paid into the Game Fund, and the state must post notices online and install weather-resistant signs at state park/forest entrances. The law aims to protect wildlife from balloon hazards while allowing specific permitted uses.

HB 1811 sets a $400 per acre maximum limit for the Pennsylvania Game Commission when purchasing land for game conservation in counties classified as sixth, seventh, or eighth class. This directly affects the Game Commission’s land acquisition costs for wildlife management in smaller counties. The bill clarifies that this price limit applies exclusively to these specific county classifications, ensuring purchases align with local market values while controlling expenses.