- An amendment removed a strict warrant requirement, instead referencing the state constitution’s protection against unreasonable searches.
- The Pennsylvania Game Commission, which initially opposed the bill, now supports the amended version.
The Pennsylvania legislature finalized a new law that limits state game wardens to the same regulations police officers have when investigating possible crimes on private property.
On Oct. 21, the House voted 203-0 and the Senate voted 50-0 on Senate Bill 1431, introduced by Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie). Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the bill on Oct. 22 and it becomes law in 60 days.
In July, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in Punxsutawney Hunting Club v. Pennsylvania Game Commission that landowners who take clear steps to keep others off their property by marking them for no trespassing have a protected expectation of privacy, even in open fields…