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January 21, 2008 issue
Tobacco
BILL: HB 1057 – Smoking Ban in Certain Public Places
AUTHOR: Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary
ISMA POSITION: Support
THIS WEEK: HB 1057 was assigned to the Public Policy Committee, although the author is chair of the House Public Health Committee. The ISMA is working with the Indiana Campaign for Smokefree Air to urge the chair of the Public Policy Committee to grant the bill a hearing. The alternative strategy is to move HB 1057 back to the Public Health Committee, but this does not seem likely. The ISMA believes the bill will receive a hearing in the Public Policy Committee, but a vote will not be taken on the bill.
The bill would prohibit smoking statewide in public places, enclosed areas of a place of employment and certain state vehicles.
Although the ISMA supports the bill, there are concerns that this legislation would not provide a comprehensive smoking ban.
Current language in the bill exempts: private residences, family owned and operated businesses, certain hotel and motel rooms, retail stores that derive 60 percent of their business from the sale of tobacco, a private or semiprivate room of a health or long-term care facility, private vehicles, bars, clubs, fraternal organizations, bowling alleys, live pari-mutuel horse racing facilities and their satellite locations, riverboats and casinos.
BILL: HB 1268 – Regulation of Cigarette Retail Sales
AUTHOR: Rep. Bill Cochran, D-New Albany
ISMA POSITION: Oppose
THIS WEEK: HB 1268 is assigned to the House Committee on Public Policy, but no action has been taken on the bill so far this session. The ISMA does not believe the bill will receive a hearing, but we are watching it closely and will testify in opposition if the bill is heard.
The bill exempts wholesale cigarette vendors from the Cigarette Fair Trade Act, which does not allow wholesalers or retailers to sell cigarettes below cost. The ISMA is concerned this bill would allow wholesalers to sell cigarettes to retailers below cost, which could lead to a reduction in the price of cigarettes statewide.
BILL: SB 28 – Fire Safe Cigarettes
AUTHOR: Sen. Jeff Drozda, R-Sheridan
ISMA POSITION: Support
THIS WEEK: SB 28 was assigned to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Public Policy and Interstate Cooperation. On Jan. 16, the bill received a hearing and was passed by the committee 6-0. The bill should move to the Senate floor for amendment and a final vote.
The bill establishes reduced ignition propensity standards for cigarettes and provides certification fees and penalties. It also establishes a reduced ignition propensity standard for the cigarettes fund and the fire prevention and public safety fund.
BILL: SB 221 – Warning to Pregnant Women on Tobacco Use
AUTHOR: Sen. Vi Simpson, D-Bloomington
ISMA POSITION: Support
THIS WEEK: SB 221 was assigned to the Commerce, Public Policy and Interstate Cooperation Committee and was passed by the committee 6-0. The bill should move to the Senate floor for amendment.
The bill requires tobacco vending machines and establishments that sell tobacco to post a notice that states that smoking by pregnant women may result in fetal injury, premature death and low birth weight.
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