Bill to ban lead bullets heads to governor’s desk

A bill that would make California the first state in the nation to ban lead bullets for all types of hunting is headed to Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk.

The Assembly approved AB711 by Democratic Assemblyman Anthony Rendon of Lakewood on Tuesday.

Proponents of the bill say the ban will protect condors and other wildlife that feed on gut piles left behind by hunters. They also say humans are at risk when they eat meat that has been shot with lead bullets.

Opponents see the proposed law as a first step toward banning hunting in the Golden State. They say that because copper bullets are technically armor piercing, federal officials could move to eliminate their sale.

The bill passed the Assembly 44 to 27.