In SB 456, Senator Helfrick and the other sponsors have focused on fines and law enforcement issues. Although the PFBC would support other amendments to the Fish and Boat Code in the future, we believe this focused approach offers the best chance to address the immediate need to modernize the fine structure and eliminate the field acknowledgement of guilt. This legislation and previous legislation containing similar provisions has received strong support from Pennsylvania's anglers and boaters and the organizations that represent them. Senate Bill 456 amends numerous provisions of the Fish and Boat Code. Rather than simply increasing fines for all offenses by the same amount, this bill takes a reasoned approach to try to set the amounts of fines at appropriate levels for the offenses involved.
Fines are important to deter violations and punish misconduct.
Experience over the nearly 20 years since the Fish and Boat Code took effect has shown that, while there is an urgent need to increase most fines, some should stay the same. The section is further amended to allow compensation or reimbursement for expenses for specific duties only if approved in advance by the Executive Director. The section is further amended to provide for limitation of duties and powers of deputies by the Executive Director. The section is further amended to add certain powers relating to the operation of boats and vehicles while in the performance of duties specified under the section. The section is further amended to change the violation of causing serious bodily harm to an officer from a misdemeanor to a felony of the third degree.