Purpose

This bill would prohibit the sale, manufacture, and use of lead fishing tackle in Minnesota. It creates a new legal standard aimed at reducing environmental lead from fishing gear.

Key definitions

• jig: a weighted hook
  • Note: The term jig does not include lead fishing-related items such as fishing line, flies, lures, spoons, or other items listed in the bill.
• sinker: a device designed to be attached to a fishing line and intended to sink the line
  • Note: The term sinker does not include artificial lures, weighted line, weighted flies, or jig heads.

Main provisions

• Prohibition: A person may not use a sinker or jig to take fish if the sinker or jig contains lead and weighs one ounce or less or measures 212 inches or less in length.
  • In plain terms, any lead-containing sinker or jig that is very small (as specified by the weight and size thresholds) would be barred from use for fishing.

What this bill seeks to accomplish

• Reduce environmental lead in waterways by limiting the use of lead tackle.
• Encourage the fishing industry and anglers to switch to non-lead alternatives.
• Limit exposure of wildlife and people to lead from fishing gear.

Significant changes to existing law

• Creates a new section (Lead Tackle) under Minnesota Statutes (chapter 97C) to define lead tackle and establish the prohibition.
• Explicitly distinguishes what counts as a jig or a sinker and what is excluded from the definitions, shaping how the prohibition is applied.

Implementation considerations (notes)

• The bill specifies a clear prohibition based on the lead content and size/weight of tackle, which would be enforced for fishing activities.
• Penalties or enforcement details are not included in the excerpt provided.

Relevant terms: - lead tackle, jig, sinker, lead, Minnesota Statutes, 97C, prohibited, sale, manufacture, use, fishing, environment, fish.