Just a wild guess , but I have to wonder if the prohibition of these types of traps has something to do with the protection of Diamondback Terrapins .
If they get in a trap and can't get out they'll drown .

I know they go after crab bait 'cause I caught one years ago in a "star" type trap .
Fastest turtle I've ever seen , it was gone in a flash when I opened the trap !
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"Politically correct" was initially coined by Leon Trotsky to refer favorably to those whose views remained in sync with the ever-shifting Bolshevik Party line. This was important, as "not PC" people risked prison or death.