In August, group of Senators introduced Senate Bill 1227. This bill seeks to reduce the cost of obtaining a fishing license for in-state college students. Presently, students attending schools in Pennsylvania, but live out of state, are required to pay the $51.90 non resident annual fee for a fishing license. This fee may prevent some from buying a fishing license due to being on a budget or other reasons associated with college. The Senators noted that “Out-of-state students who attend two and four-year institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania make significant social and economic impacts on their host communities. Therefore, we should be doing all we can to showcase our vast waterways and renowned fishing opportunities.”
Senators Blake, Bartolotta, Costa, and Argall introduced the bill that “will extend the resident annual fishing license fee of $22.90 to out-of-state students attending a Pennsylvania institution of higher education. Students must provide a valid student I.D. or proof of their temporary residency in Pennsylvania.”
The bill has been referred to the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee where it remains at this point. The Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited feels this is a great piece of legislation that will allow students from across the state enjoy the great fishing that our State has to offer.
Please consider contacting your Senator and members of the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee and urge them to support this bill.
Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited 