Committee advances bill banning in-state sales of parts from endangered species

House Bill 994 would prohibit the sale, offer for sale, or possession with intent to sell parts or products from a list of covered species within Pennsylvania.

Sponsor remarks: Representative Krueger said the bill supplements federal import and interstate commerce restrictions by banning in-state sales of parts from endangered and imperiled species, including elephants, rhinos, tigers, sea turtles, sharks, pangolin and others. She said the state sales ban would reduce market demand and help curb poaching and trafficking abroad.

Scope and exceptions: Counsel described exceptions for federal and state law-enforcement activities, activities expressly authorized by federal law, antiques and musical instruments, and a permitting pathway for educational or scientific purposes by bona fide institutions if the item was legally acquired.

Discussion and evidence: Representative Kenyatta asked how species on the list were selected; the sponsor said stakeholder work with zoos and Humane Society of Pennsylvania informed the list. Representative Borowitz asked whether there were documented in-state sales; the sponsor said a new investigation by Humane PA would be released soon and motivated the filing. Representative Bonner asked about sharks; the sponsor said fins are often removed and thrown back, causing deadly population impacts.

Vote: The committee recorded a roll-call vote of 25–1 in favor of reporting HB 994 to the floor.

Ending: Supporters said the measure closes a sales loophole not fully covered by federal law and includes civil-penalty enforcement and limited exceptions for legitimate scientific and educational uses.