Jan. 29, 2026
HARRISBURG—Legislation aimed at strengthening civic participation among Pennsylvania’s hunters and anglers is advancing in both chambers of the General Assembly with the introduction of companion legislation in the Senate.
The Sportsmen Voter Registration Act (
HB 1937) was originally introduced in April 2025 by Rep. David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee. This week, Sen. Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland/Dauphin/Perry), chairman of the Senate Game & Fisheries Committee introduced companion legislation (SB 1155) in the Senate, moving the proposal forward as a bicameral effort.
The legislation would ensure that voter registration applications are made available any time a Pennsylvanian applies for a hunting or fishing license through a government agency, creating a simple, consistent opportunity for sportsmen to engage in the democratic process.
Sportsmen—hunters and anglers—are vital to Pennsylvania. They are economic drivers, conservationists, and stewards of the Commonwealth’s long-standing outdoor traditions. Yet, it is estimated that as many as 30% of Pennsylvania hunters are not registered to vote.
“Applying for a hunting or fishing license may be the most consistent interaction many sportsmen have with state government,” Rowe said. “By making voter registration applications available during that process, we can encourage greater civic participation from people who care deeply about our land, wildlife, and more.”
Rothman said introducing companion legislation in the Senate is an important step in advancing a common-sense proposal that expands access to voter registration without adding mandates or bureaucracy.
“My time as chairman of the Senate Game & Fisheries Committee has shown me that sportsmen and women across the Commonwealth have diverse and well-informed perspectives,” Rothman emphasized. “This legislation ensures the significant number of hunters and anglers who have yet to register to vote have another opportunity to do so, make their voice heard, and be represented.”
The legislation has also drawn support from sportsmen and conservation advocates.
"Hunter Nation was founded partly on the principle that the millions of American hunters who are patriots and conservationists deserve to have their voices heard in our elections," said Keith Mark, founder of Hunter Nation. "This legislation in Pennsylvania is a monumental step in activating this historically underserved community. We are proud to stand with Representative Rowe and Senator Rothman as they work to empower Pennsylvania's hunters to defend our values of God, family, and country."
"From a policy perspective, this is just smart, efficient governance," said Daniel M. Sneath, Pennsylvania state director of policy and legislative affairs for Hunter Nation. "It leverages an existing, trusted touchpoint with our hunting community to promote civic participation without creating new bureaucracy. We are thrilled to support this practical legislation that strengthens the voice of Pennsylvania's sportsmen and women in Harrisburg."
"As a father who is passing the hunting tradition down to my two sons, I know how important it is to protect that heritage for future generations," said John Bingaman, Pennsylvania State director of development for Hunter Nation. "This bill is a game-changer. By providing a simple, convenient opportunity for hunters to register to vote when they purchase their license, we are finally engaging a community that has historically been overlooked. We look forward to working with the legislature to get this bill passed and thank Representative Rowe and Senator Rothman for their leadership."
Representative David H. Rowe
85th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nancy Nilson
717.787.3443
nnilson@pahousegop.com