Rep. Tranel's Battery Bill Becomes Law
 

Madison - Today, Rep. Travis Tranel’s bill (SB 407) to eliminate the retail sale of button cell batteries containing mercury was signed into law by Governor Scott Walker at a ceremony in the Governor’s conference room.  
 
“I would like to thank the Governor for signing this common sense legislation into law today,” said Tranel.  “The purpose of the bill is to help keep jobs in Wisconsin, while making sure we protect our state’s environment.”
 
SB 407 updates Wisconsin statutes regarding mercury content in button cell batteries sold in the state. Wisconsin joins Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island and Louisiana in enacting this type of legislation.
 
“The U.S. battery manufacturing industry has made significant strides in developing mercury-free button cell batteries for hearing aids, medical devices, watches and toys,” said Tranel.  “A Wisconsin company, Rayovac, is at the forefront of manufacturing these new modern batteries and employs over 300 people in Fennimore."
 
Senator Luther Olson was the lead sponsor of the legislation in the State Senate.   The bill passed both houses of the legislature with strong bi-partisan support.