Sale, manufacture, and use of lead tackle prohibited.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brion Curran and 4 co-sponsors

Prohibits sale, manufacture, and use of lead fishing tackle in Minnesota to reduce environmental lead contamination in waters and wildlife.

Author added Elkins

#fishandfishing #hazardoussubstances #waters-lakes

HF 1387 — Sale, Manufacture, and Use of Lead Tackle Prohibited

Overview

HF 1387 is a Minnesota House of Representatives bill introduced on February 24, 2025, with the title indicating a prohibition on the sale, manufacture, and use of lead fishing tackle. The bill sits within the subjects of Fish and Fishing, Hazardous Substances, and Waters–Lakes. A companion bill exists in the Senate as SF 1802.

Purpose and Intent

The central aim, as reflected in the title, is to reduce environmental lead contamination and associated risks to wildlife by prohibiting lead fishing tackle from sale, manufacture, and use in Minnesota.

The bill signals a policy shift toward minimizing lead exposure in aquatic ecosystems and aligning with broader efforts to address lead sources in waters and waterways.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the bill’s title)

Prohibition on the sale of lead fishing tackle.

Prohibition on the manufacture of lead fishing tackle.

Prohibition on the use of lead fishing tackle.

The full text would specify important details such as:

Definitions of what constitutes “lead tackle” and which products are covered (e.g., weights, sinkers, lures, etc.).
Any exemptions (e.g., existing stock, research exemptions, or small-entity exemptions) and transitional provisions.
Enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations.
Effective dates and phased implementation (if applicable).

Note: Specific provisions, exemptions, and enforcement details are not provided in the available summary and would be determined by the final bill language.

Affected Parties and Impacts

Anglers and fishing guides who use or purchase tackle — potential shift to non-lead alternatives.

Tackle manufacturers and retailers — impact on product lines, inventory, and compliance costs.

Environmental and wildlife stakeholders — potential benefits from reduced lead exposure in water bodies and associated wildlife.

State agencies responsible for enforcement and environmental protection would implement and enforce the provisions.

Legislative History and Timeline

Introduced: February 24, 2025.

Initial action: First reading and referral to Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy on February 24, 2025.

Amendments to authors:

February 26, 2025: Author added Rehrauer.
March 17, 2025: Author added Elkins.

Related legislation: SF 1802 is the companion bill in the Senate.

Procedural Notes and Next Steps

The bill will proceed through committee review (Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy) where hearings, amendments, and votes will occur.

If advanced, HF 1387 would move to the House floor for consideration, and eventually reconciliation with the companion SF 1802 in the Senate.

Stakeholders may seek clarifications on exemptions, phase-in timelines, and enforcement mechanisms during committee proceedings.

Related Information

Companion: SF 1802 (Senate)

Subject focus: Fish and Fishing, Hazardous Substances, Waters–Lakes