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Lawmaker introduces bill to stop lead ban

A Montana Congressman has introduced a bill to end a ban on the sales of youth dirt bikes and ATVs that may contain traces of lead in some components.

U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) introduced H.R. 412, the Kids Just Want to Ride Act, on Tuesday, according to the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). The legislation would exempt off-highway vehicles from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) that is scheduled to go into effect May 1. The CPSIA bans the sale of products that contain more than a specified amount of lead for children ages 12 and under. Youth ATVs and dirt bikes can have trace amounts of lead in their batteries and brake calipers.

“Here again, a law meant to improve children’s safety is actually being enforced in a way that puts kids in more danger than ever, while destroying jobs to boot,” Rehberg said in the AMA press release. “It’s critical that we put to rest any confusion once and for all so kids can just get outside and ride. There’s no excuse for continued bungling that only stops kids from using the very youth-sized off-road vehicles that are intended to keep them safe.”

Ed Moreland, AMA senior vice president for government relations, praised Rehberg for the bill on behalf of the AMA and the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), the AMA’s sister organization.

“This is the most promising and viable legislative remedy available to permanently exclude kid-sized motorcycles and ATVs from the deleterious and unintended consequences of the CPSIA,” Moreland said.

He urged those interested in the bill to contact their lawmakers.

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2 Comments

  1. Holy crap, this is just now being addressed in Congress? Government is terblrie. I can only imagine the fury of bike dealers affected by this.I recall reading about the original bill before the stay was issued and it seemed unreal. Then I walked into my local dealer and all of the pint-sized motorcycles were gone and it became very real.

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