SF2446

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify existing environmental regulations in Minnesota specifically related to the use of lead in products, by delaying certain prohibitions on lead solder.

Main Provisions

• Prohibition on Lead and Cadmium: It remains illegal to import, manufacture, sell, or distribute products in Minnesota that contain more than 0.009% lead or more than 0.0075% cadmium by total weight.
• Temporary Delay for Lead Solder: The bill introduces a temporary exemption for products with internal circuit boards that use lead solder. This exemption delays the prohibition until January 1, 2028.
• Reporting Requirements: Manufacturers utilizing this exemption, specifically those producing key fobs, are required to submit a semi-annual report to the Pollution Control Agency. This report must include:
  1. Barriers to compliance with the lead prohibition.
  2. Progress made towards compliance.
  3. The latest timeline for achieving compliance.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The amendment grants a five-year delay (until 2028) for the restriction on using lead solder in products with internal circuit boards, which was otherwise to be prohibited.
• Implementation of a mandatory reporting system for manufacturers to track and report progress and challenges in meeting compliance with the lead prohibition.

Relevant Terms

• Lead solder
• Circuit board
• Environmental regulation
• Pollution Control Agency
• Key fob
• Compliance reporting