HARRISBURG – Working to
enhance accountability to the Commonwealth’s hunting, fishing and
boating enthusiasts, the state House today approved legislation to
shorten the terms of service for board members of the state’s two
wildlife commissions, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint).
Watch Rep. Causer’s comments on the legislation:
House
Bill 828, sponsored by Causer, and House Bill 798, sponsored by Rep.
Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon), would reduce the length of the terms of
service for board members of the Game Commission and the Fish and Boat
Commission from eight years to four years. The bills also would allow
commissioners to serve multiple terms with appointment by the governor
and consent by a majority of the Senate.
“There
is growing concern among lawmakers and the public about the actions of
these commissions and their impact on the long-standing traditions of
this Commonwealth,” Causer said. “The changes put forth in these bills
will help improve accountability and provide flexibility to the governor
and lawmakers by allowing commissioners to be appointed to multiple,
consecutive terms of office.”
Under
current law, the term of office for commissioners of both agencies is
eight years. A commissioner may serve up to an additional six months
when a replacement has not been appointed by the governor and approved
by the Senate. A member who fills a vacancy of less than four years is
eligible for reappointment to a full term. A member who serves a full
eight-year term, or fills a vacancy for more than four years, is not
eligible for reappointment for a period of eight years. House Bills 798
and 828 remove these specific limitations on service, allowing for
multiple four-year terms of continuous service. Vacancies may still be
filled for partial terms.
The bills now go to the Senate for consideration.
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