Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Every day officers of the Pennsylvania Game Commission perform vital work to protect the wildlife, forests, natural resources, and citizens of Pennsylvania.
 

In addition to enforcing the Commonwealth's Game and Wildlife Code and federal laws and state regulations governing natural resource conservation, Game Commission officers are sworn law enforcement officers with statewide jurisdiction. They can serve and execute warrants and subpoenas; inspect, search, seize, and make arrests; and prepare cases for trial and present evidence in court.
 

State Game Wardens and Deputy State Game Wardens regularly work with local law enforcement and the Pennsylvania State Police to support and assist in investigations. Earlier this year, Game Commission officers concluded an extensive, two-year investigation into three individuals accused of poaching dozens upon dozens of trophy bucks in Chester and Delaware Counties.
 

Given their important work and police powers, I am introducing legislation to compensate officers of the Pennsylvania Game Commission on the same pay scale as Pennsylvania State Police Officers. Currently, Pennsylvania game wardens and wildlife conservation officers earn lower salaries than their counterparts in other states and their fellow law enforcement officers in the Commonwealth. Providing equitable compensation would incentivize more Pennsylvanians to consider careers with the Game Commission and help recruit and retain officers, particularly in areas with a higher cost of living, like the southeast.   

 
In addition, it would demonstrate much-needed appreciation for Game Commission officers and the work they do in the interest of public safety, including investigating accidental shootings and crimes that are often symptomatic of other types of criminal behavior, and working in remote areas in close range of people who are almost always carrying firearms.

This legislation is a companion to Rep. Delloso’s bill (HB 2583 of 2023-24) in the House.
 

Our Game Commission officers deserve to be compensated fairly for all they do for the Commonwealth. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to give these officers the salaries they deserve.