Gov. Josh Shapiro on Wednesday, July 9, signed House Bill 1431 into law, repealing Pennsylvania’s long-standing ban on Sunday hunting.

The law will allow the Pennsylvania Game Commission to open more Sundays to hunting and trapping, and increase penalties for trespassing while hunting.

Speaking at the Blue Ridge Sportsman Club in Dauphin County, Shapiro was joined by state Game Commission executive director Steve Smith; Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding; state Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Allegheny County; and legislators, hunters and outdoor advocates.

Shapiro praised the law.

“By repealing this outdated ban on Sunday hunting, Pennsylvanians can spend more time outdoors, with more chances to share traditions and a stronger future for conservation,” he said. “I’m proud we came together to bring Pennsylvania’s hunting laws into the 21st century and honor the traditions that make our commonwealth special.”

Most legislators from Butler County did not support the bill, which passed the House in a 142-61 vote and the Senate in a 36-16 vote. Reps. Tim Bonner, R-17th, and Stephenie Scialabba, R-12th; and Sens. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st, and Elder Vogel, R-47th, voted against the bill. Reps. Marci Mustello, R-11th, and Aaron Bernstine, R-8th, voted in favor.

Butler County Farm Bureau, which also represents Butler, Beaver, Lawrence and Mercer counties on the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau board, supported the bill after a requirement to obtain written permission to hunt on private property was added.

The bill goes into effect in 60 days.