No keys means no boats, unless Legislature makes an easy fix

As a small business owner in Minnesota’s boating industry, I’m proud to help families get out on the water — whether it’s for fishing, watersports, or just enjoying our beautiful lakes. But a well-intended state law creates big problems for folks like me — and possibly compromises our ability to do business at all.

A key part of our livelihood — literally, the keys and key fobs used to start boats — is on the chopping block thanks to a law passed in 2023, which restricts lead and cadmium levels in consumer products. While the goal of reducing toxic materials is important, this law fails to recognize the realities of how marine equipment is built and used.

Unless the Legislature acts to remove keys from this law, it effectively bans the use of traditional marine keys and key fobs in Minnesota. That might not sound like much, but for those of us in the industry, it’s a game-changer — and not in a good way.

The marine industry relies on durable, corrosion-resistant components that can withstand harsh conditions. The small amount of lead in these keys plays an essential role in ensuring they last, fit properly, and don’t damage ignition systems or key-cutting machines. Finding a replacement isn’t as simple as swapping materials. It’s an expensive, time-consuming process that requires retooling and testing, often taking years to do safely and effectively.

And it’s not just manufacturers that are impacted — family-owned boat dealerships like mine are at risk. If manufacturers can’t legally ship us compliant keys, we can’t sell boats. Period. No keys means no ignition. No ignition means no sales. We’re not talking about a minor inconvenience — we’re talking about an effective ban on boating in Minnesota.

If not addressed, this could bring the entire industry to a halt in our state. That includes not just dealers like me, but engine suppliers, marinas, service centers, and every worker connected to recreational boating. And let’s not forget the tens of thousands of Minnesota families who rely on access to boats and watersports each summer.

The good news is there’s a fix. Legislators have proposed a commonsense exemption for keys. It doesn’t water down the broader goal of reducing toxic materials — it just acknowledges the unique needs of our industry.

Minnesota’s boating industry supports local jobs, brings families together, and fuels our summer tourism economy. We’re asking lawmakers to support these provisions so we can keep doing what we do best: getting people on the water, safely and responsibly.

Without this change, the future of boating in Minnesota — and businesses like mine — are at risk.