The Senate Game & Fisheries Committee approved legislation today that would empower the Pennsylvania Game Commission to allow hunting on Sundays.

Senate Bill 147 would also change the Pennsylvania Game Code to address the issue of trespassing while hunting. The new bill would make the violation a primary offense and increase the penalties.

“This is a historic vote, as it takes a major step toward increasing recreational opportunities for the thousands of Pennsylvania sportsmen and women who enjoy hunting,” said Senator Dan Laughlin, prime sponsor of the bill and committee chairman. “This will remove one of only two ‘Blue Laws’ remaining in the state of Pennsylvania. You can’t hunt and you can’t buy a car on Sunday in Pennsylvania.”

Senate Bill 147 will now go to the full Senate for consideration.