State Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, this week reintroduced Senate Bill 67, which would end the state’s prohibition on Sunday hunting and allow the Pennsylvania Game Commission to include Sundays when establishing hunting seasons annually.

The bill picked up momentum last year in Harrisburg, when it passed the Senate and gained preliminary approval in the House of Representatives before time ran out in the legislative session. The bill now has a fresh start, with a broad base of support behind it.

Many sportsmen’s groups back the initiative, as does the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

The Game Commission said that it looks forward to working with this coalition to get the bill across the finish line, an outcome that would benefit hunters and help ensure the future of wildlife management.

Commission Executive Director Steve Smith expressed the agency’s support for the proposal.

“Hunting takes time, and a lack of time is one of the biggest reasons cited by hunters who stop hunting,” Smith said. “Repealing the Sunday hunting ban and allowing the Game Commission to fully regulate Sunday hunting is an opportunity to provide hunters more time, which will help keep them engaged and carrying out their vital role in managing key wildlife populations.

“This legislation is beneficial to hunting’s future and the future of wildlife management in the commonwealth. We support it, and thank Senator Laughlin for again championing this important issue.”