(WHTM) — A new bill proposing changes to restrictions for Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania has been introduced to the state's legislature.

The bill, Senate Bill 67, was proposed by Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie County). In a memo, Laughlin says the bill aims to "completely remove the prohibition on Sundays available for hunting and trapping and would leave all wildlife management decisions to the Pennsylvania Game Commission."

Bill 67 is a re-introduction of a bill that expired in the House before it could be signed on October 8, 2024. State law allows three Sundays to be used for hunting, and the Game Commission assigned one day during archery deer season, one in archery black bear season, and one day in rifle deer season.

In a statement from October 2024, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau voiced its support of the bill:

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau proudly supports Senate Bill 67, a key piece of legislation developed in collaboration between wildlife groups and the agricultural community to improve wildlife management and address deer overpopulation. With Pennsylvania farmers facing rising input costs and declining net farm income, this legislation provides critical relief by streamlining wildlife management protocols, establishing a voluntary database of reputable hunters, and strengthening trespass penalties. These measures will help farmers better control deer populations, protect their crops, and support the long-term sustainability of agriculture in our state.

The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau

Bill 67 also advocates for organizing the Game Commission into nine competent citizens who are informed on wildlife, with one lead member representing "the interest in agricultural commodities that pertain to normal agricultural operations and wildlife."

The bill also aims to address the process of reporting deer carcasses killed for crop damage, increase penalties for trespassing, and remove the requirement for hunters to carry written permission when hunting on private property on Sundays.

The bill was referred to the Game and Fisheries Committee for consideration.