2. The reliability and safety of mercury-free button cell batteries being sold in the State;

3. Whether reasonable substitutes exist for mercury-added button cell batteries in all applications;

4. The status of any testing and analysis of mercury-free button cell batteries;

5. The disparity, if any, between the cost of mercury-free button cell batteries and button cell batteries containing mercury; and

6. Whether prohibiting the sale of mercury-added button cell batteries after June 30, 2011 is practical.

The department shall confer with and solicit information from representatives of the battery, watch, precision instrument, hearing aid and medical device industries regarding the industries' experience with testing, reliability of use, cost and availability of mercury-free button cell batteries.

The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over natural resources matters may report out legislation relating to the department's report to the First Regular Session of the 124th Legislature.'

SUMMARY

This amendment replaces the bill. The amendment bans the sale, after June 30, 2011, of mercury-added button cell batteries and consumer products that contain mercury-added button cell batteries. It also directs the Department of Environmental Protection to report, by January 15, 2009, on the state of the technology of mercury-free button cell batteries.

FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED

(See attached)