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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Mike Hanna |
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Hanna bill to triple fine for timber theft passes House
HARRISBURG, April 21 – The state House today passed legislation authored by state Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Clinton/Centre, that would strengthen the penalty for timber theft.
Hanna's bill, H.B. 481, would increase the fine for timber theft to six times the value of the timber taken. Currently, the fine is two times the timber’s value.
"Pennsylvania has some of the most valuable hardwood in the country," Hanna said. "Private residents, state forests and logging contractors lose thousands of dollars worth of timber each time their trees are illegally harvested.
"When people steal timber, they interfere with harvesting practices that are designed to minimize the environmental impact. Timber theft isn’t just illegal -- it’s environmentally irresponsible."
Hanna said that landowners may not even realize that their timber is being stolen. He urged residents to ensure that their land boundaries are clearly marked to avoid accidental harvesting. Landowners should also regularly patrol their property to monitor whether trees have been removed without their permission.
The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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