SF 1293

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to game and fish; recognizing the threat to waterfowl from ingesting
lead tackle; phasing in a ban on the sale and use of lead sinkers, jigs, and lures;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 97C.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [97C.316] LEAD SINKERS, JIGS, AND LURES.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Lead tackle policy. new text end

new text begin It is the policy of this state to safeguard the
long-term survival of its loon and other waterfowl populations from potential threats. One
of those threats is the use of lead sinkers, jigs, or lures, which, if lost during fishing, can
be ingested by loons, ringneck ducks, and trumpeter swans, among other species, and
slowly poison the bird to death.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Phase-in ban. new text end

new text begin After ..............., an angler may not use a lead sinker, jig, or
lure weighing one-half ounce or less to take fish on any waters lying wholly within the
state or any portion of the boundary waters within the jurisdiction of the state. A person
may not sell or offer to sell a lead sinker, jig, or lure weighing one-half ounce or less in
this state. For purposes of this section, "lead sinker, jig, or lure" means a device that
contains lead and is designed to be attached to a fishing line.
new text end