Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility House approves Steele bill to help Game Commission conserve land

House approves Steele bill to help Game Commission conserve land

H.B. 1811 removes outdated cap on certain land purchases

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    November 18, 2025 | 4:22 PM

HARRISBURG, Nov. 18 — On a bipartisan vote, the PA House today passed a bill sponsored by state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny, that would help conserve land and protect vulnerable habitats by making it easier for the Pennsylvania Game Commission to acquire land in certain counties.

House Bill 1811 would remove a price-per-acre cap on PGC purchases in counties of the first through fifth classes. Under current law, PGC purchases are capped at $400 per acre, except in counties of the second class.

“My bill will allow the Game Commission to protect thousands of additional acres of land,” Steele said. “The current cap makes it very difficult for the Game Commission to acquire higher-value land, which in turn makes it harder for the Commission to serve as a steward of our shared environment and natural resources and to provide residents with ample access to green space.”

Steele noted that, in addition to providing more hunting opportunities for sportsmen and women, the Game Commission helps protect wildlife, mitigate flood risks and preserve local air and water quality.

Under H.B. 1811, the $400 cap would remain in place for counties of the sixth through eighth classes.

Steele’s legislation now moves to the state Senate for consideration.