Title 58--RECREATION GAME COMMISSION [58 PA. CODE CHS. 131 AND 139] Preliminary Provisions; Seasons and Bag Limits [36 Pa.B. 2971]
[Saturday, June 17, 2006]To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission), at its January 24, 2006, meeting, adopted amendments to §§ 131.2 and 139.2 (relating to definitions).
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 36 Pa.B. 12 (January 7, 2006).
1. Purpose and Authority
Formerly, certain definitions in § 139.2 defined various terms for the purposes of Chapter 139 (relating to seasons and bag limits) only. The unfortunate result was that some of the important terms defined in this section had no definition for the purposes of other chapters. To better serve the Commission and the public, the Commission relocated the majority of the definitions in § 139.2 with cross-chapter application to § 131.2, which should now permit these definitions to have broader application.
Section 2102(b)(1) of the code (relating to regulations) authorizes the Commission to ''promulgate regulations relating to seasons and bag limits for hunting or furtaking, the possession of certain species or parts thereof, the number and types of devices and equipment allowed, the identification of devices and the use and possession of devices.'' Section 2102(a) of the code provides that ''The commission shall promulgate such regulations as it deems necessary and appropriate concerning game or wildlife and hunting or furtaking in this Commonwealth, including regulations relating to the protection, preservation and management of game or wildlife and game or wildlife habitat, permitting or prohibiting hunting or furtaking, the ways, manner, methods and means of hunting or furtaking, and the health and safety of persons who hunt or take wildlife or may be in the vicinity of persons who hunt or take game or wildlife in this Commonwealth.'' The amendment of §§ 131.2 and 139.2 was adopted under this authority.
2. Regulatory Requirements
The final-form rulemaking amends §§ 131.2 and 139.2 by relocating the majority of the definitions in § 139.2 to § 131.2 to permit cross-chapter application of the subject definitions.
3. Persons Affected
Persons wishing to hunt and trap in this Commonwealth may be affected by the final-form rulemaking.
4. Comment and Response Summary
There were no official comments received regarding this final-form rulemaking.
5. Cost and Paperwork Requirements
The final-form rulemaking should not result in additional cost or paperwork.
6. Effective Date
The final-form rulemaking will be effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and will remain in effect until changed by the Commission.
7. 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 and 139, are amended by amending §§ 131.2 and 139.2 to read as set forth at 36 Pa.B. 12.
(b) The Executive Director of the Commission shall certify this order and 36 Pa.B. 12 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.
CARL G. ROE,
Executive DirectorFiscal Note: Fiscal Note 48-225 remains valid for the final adoption of the subject regulations.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 06-1064. Filed for public inspection June 16, 2006, 9:00 a.m.]
