by HARRISBURG, Pa. — A new bill advancing in the Pennsylvania legislature aims to impose tougher penalties, including jail time and hefty fines, on individuals who steal or vandalize trail cameras used by hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
The House Game and Fisheries Committee unanimously approved House Bill 800 on May 13, 2025, moving it to the full House for debate. Sponsored by Rep. Joe Emrick (R-Northampton), the bill addresses the growing issue of trail camera interference on public and private lands.
What Happened
Pennsylvania lawmakers are proposing legislation to better protect trail cameras from theft and tampering.
House Bill 800 would increase penalties for individuals who interfere with trail cameras and similar equipment used for lawful outdoor activities like hunting, wildlife observation, and photography.
Key Details
Under the proposed law:
- Interfering with a trail camera would become a first-degree summary offense.
- Offenders would face fines between $1,000 and $1,500.
- They could also be sentenced to up to 3 months in jail.
- Violators would lose hunting and trapping privileges for one year.
The bill covers both personal and public property intended for lawful wildlife use.
Reactions or Statements
Rep. David Maloney (R-Berks), minority chair of the committee, strongly supported the bill.
“Most individuals who participate in this kind of theft are usually up to something else,” Maloney said. “They’re often trespassing or hiding illegal activity.”
Maloney also raised concerns about the privacy implications of trail cameras on public lands and suggested the Pennsylvania Game Commission further review regulations.
“People are being recorded without their knowledge—even on public game lands. It’s an issue that needs balancing,” he added.
What’s Next
With a 26-0 committee vote, House Bill 800 now heads to the full Pennsylvania House for consideration.
If passed, the law would strengthen enforcement tools available to protect hunters’ and landowners’ equipment and discourage illegal activity on both public and private lands.
FAQs
What is House Bill 800?
It’s proposed Pennsylvania legislation that increases penalties for tampering with or stealing trail cameras and other outdoor monitoring equipment.
Who introduced the bill?
Rep. Joe Emrick, a Republican from Northampton County.
What are the penalties under the proposed law?
Fines from $1,000 to $1,500, up to 3 months in jail, and a 1-year suspension of hunting and trapping privileges.
Why are lawmakers supporting it?
They argue that trail camera theft often coincides with trespassing or other unlawful behavior.
Will the bill affect trail camera use on public lands?
Not directly, but concerns have been raised about privacy, prompting further discussion with the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Summary / Final Takeaway
House Bill 800 marks a strong legislative push to deter theft and vandalism of trail cameras across Pennsylvania. With bipartisan support and a unanimous committee vote, the bill reflects growing concerns over property rights, hunter protection, and outdoor privacy.
