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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep. Mike Hanna |
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Hanna introduces bill to revamp governing board of state Game Commission
HARRISBURG, March 27 – State Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Clinton/Centre, has introduced legislation that would reorganize the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s board of directors.
House Bill 2381 would prohibit former Game Commission employees or deputy conservation officers from serving on the board. It would also require the board to take into account the possible social, economic and recreational impact of its decisions.
“Many outdoorsmen and sportsmen and women are increasingly disillusioned about the board’s decisions on hunting regulations and the management of State Game Lands,” Hanna said. “Too much bureaucracy and being beholden to outside interests don’t allow for objective decisions.”
Under Hanna's bill, eight residents from different regions of Pennsylvania who have knowledge of wildlife conservation and restoration would be appointed to the board by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate.
“It’s obvious the current board is out of touch with the general public,” Hanna said. “We need a different perspective on wildlife management and other issues from the people who have a direct stake in the outcome.”
The bill is currently under consideration in the House Game and Fisheries Committee.
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