Title 58--RECREATION GAME COMMISSION [58 PA. CODE CHS. 131, 143 AND 147] Hunter ID Number [33 Pa.B. 5314] To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission), at its June 24, 2003, meeting, adopted the following amendments:
Amend §§ 131.2, 143.202 and 147.701 (relating to definitions; application; and general) to define and implement the issuance of a ''hunter ID number.''
The final-form rulemaking will have no adverse impact on the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth.
The authority for the final-form rulemaking is 34 Pa.C.S. (relating to Game and Wildlife Code) (code).
Notice of proposed rulemaking was published at 33 Pa.B. 2589 (May 31, 2003).
1. Introduction
The Commission defined and implemented the issuance of a ''hunter ID number'' by amending §§ 131.2, 143.202 and 147.701.
2. Purpose and Authority
Formerly, regulations allowed an applicant for an elk license or bobcat permit to submit a Social Security number or ''some other appropriate form of individual identification'' to provide a unique identifier in the database for each individual and to permit crosschecks for duplicates. The Commission has implemented a system whereby it assigns each applicant an individualized ''hunter ID number'' whenever that applicant does not have a Social Security number. The purpose of this system is to clearly articulate what will be considered an appropriate form of individual identification when a Social Security number is not available. The Commission will use this ''hunter ID number'' for identification and cross-referencing purposes.
Section 2722(g)(2) of the code (relating to authorized license-issuing agents) directs the Commission to adopt regulations for the administration, control and performance of license issuing activities. Section 2901(b) of the code (relating to authority to issue permits) provides ''The commission may, as deemed necessary to properly manage the game or wildlife resources, promulgate regulations for the issuance of any permit . . . .'' Section 2102(a) of the code (relating to regulations) provides ''The commission shall promulgate such regulations as it deems necessary and appropriate concerning game or wildlife and hunting or furtaking in this Commonwealth . . . .'' These provisions provide the statutory basis for the final-form rulemaking.
3. Regulatory Requirements
The final-form rulemaking defines and implements the issuance of a ''hunter ID number'' to be used in the application process for elk licenses or bobcat permits whenever the applicant does not have a Social Security number.
4. Persons Affected
Persons who wish to apply for an elk license or bobcat permit and do not have a Social Security number will be affected by the final-form rulemaking.
5. Comment and Response Summary
There were no official comments received regarding this final-form rulemaking.
6. Cost and Paperwork Requirements
The final-form rulemaking should not result in additional cost or paperwork.
7. Effective Date
The final-form rulemaking will be effective on publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and will remain in effect until changed by the Commission.
8. Contact Person
For further information regarding the final-form rulemaking, contact Michael A. Dubaich, Director, Bureau of Law Enforcement, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, (717) 783-6526.
Findings
The Commission finds that:
(1) Public notice of intention to adopt the administrative amendments adopted by this order has been given under sections 201 and 202 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P. L. 769, No. 240) (45 P. S. §§ 1201 and 1202) and the regulations thereunder, 1 Pa. Code §§ 7.1 and 7.2.
(2) The adoption of the amendments of the Commission in the manner provided in this order is necessary and appropriate for the administration and enforcement of the authorizing statute.
Order
The Commission, acting under authorizing statute, orders that:
(a) The regulations of the Commission, 58 Pa. Code Chapters 131, 143 and 147, are amended by amending §§ 131.2, 143.202 and 147.701 to read as set forth at 33 Pa.B. 2589.
(b) The Executive Director of the Commission shall certify this order and 33 Pa.B. 2589 and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.
(c) This order shall become effective upon final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
VERNON R. ROSS,
Executive DirectorFiscal Note: Fiscal Note 48-164 remains valid for the final adoption of the subject regulations.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 03-2068. Filed for public inspection October 24, 2003, 9:00 a.m.]
