H.516

AN ACT RELATING TO A PROHIBITION AGAINST THE USE AND SALE OF LEAD SINKERS

It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont:

Sec. 1.  10 V.S.A. § 4606(g) is added to read:

(g)  A person shall not use a lead sinker for taking of fish in any state waters.  In this section, “sinker” means any device which weighs one‑half ounce or less and is attached to a fishing line for the purpose of sinking the line, and does not include other lead fishing‑related items such as weighted fly line, lead-core fishing line, downrigger cannon balls, weighted flies, lures, spoons, or jig heads.

Sec. 2.  10 V.S.A. § 4614 is added to read:

§ 4614.  LEAD SINKERS; SALES PROHIBITED

It is unlawful to sell or offer for sale a lead sinker in the state of Vermont.  In this section, “sinker” means any device which weighs one‑half ounce or less and is attached to a fishing line for the purpose of sinking the line, and does not include other lead fishing‑related items such as weighted fly line, lead-core fishing line, downrigger cannon balls, weighted flies, lures, spoons, or jig heads.

Sec. 3.  LEAD SINKERS; PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM;

             APPROPRIATION

(a)  The commissioner of fish and wildlife shall develop and carry out:

(1)  a public education program designed to alert the public to the threat that lead fishing tackle can pose to wildlife; and

(2)  a program to provide Vermont anglers lead-free fishing sinkers in exchange for leaded sinkers.

(b)  On or before January 15, 2006, the commissioner shall report on expenditures for the programs to the house committee on fish and wildlife and the senate committee on natural resources and energy.

(c)  Pursuant to Sec. 205(e) of H.768 of 2004 as passed by the house of representatives, the amount of $25,000.00 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of fish and wildlife to develop a public education program designed to alert the public to the threat that lead fishing tackle can pose to wildlife.  The program shall be administered by the education coordinator within the department of fish and wildlife.

Sec. 4.  EFFECTIVE DATES

(a)  Sec. 1 of this act shall take effect on January 1, 2007.

(b)  Sec. 2 shall take effect on January 1, 2006.

(c)  This section and Sec. 3 shall take effect on July 1, 2004.