Each week we share some of the news that comes across our desk about upcoming legislation.. This week we have stories from Alaska, California, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Oregon.
Alaska – A blll that would have banned smoking statewide in workplaces and enclosed spaces won’t pass in 2016 as the bill has been shelved via Alaska Journal https://www.alaskajournal.com/2016-04-20/ledoux-shelves-house-senate-bills-would-ban-smoking-statewide#.VxjPR2OLqAY
California – This week East Bay parks will be off-limits to smokers in the Regional Park District. The measure was passed by the Board of Directors this week via SFGATE https://www.sfgate.com/science/article/East-Bay-parks-ban-smoking-and-drones-open-up-7288954.php
Massachusetts – The Board of Health in North Adams approved a new measure that requires individuals to be 21 to purchase tobacco and the measure will go into effect on Aug 1 via iBerkshires https://www.iberkshires.com/story/51661/North-Adams-Board-of-Health-Raises-Tobacco-Buying-Age-to-21.html
Michigan – Governor Rick Snyder signed into law a bill that will extend the 50 cent cap on cigars for five years. While the state OTP tax is 32% of the wholesale prices the tax can’t exceed 50 cents via Stogie Guys https://www.stogieguys.com/2016/04/04222016-stogie-guys-friday-sampler-no-476.html
New Jersey – A group of boy scouts attempted to get the Town Council in West Milford to ban smoking around the entrances of public and commercial buildings but the move was rejected with one councilman stating he would not regulate private property via NorthJersey.com https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/town-government/township-council-snuffs-out-scouts-suggested-smoking-ban-1.1549396
New York – In Saratoga, the House Authority announced that beginning May 1, a no smoking policy will go into effect in all of its 339 housing units via News10 https://news10.com/2016/04/21/saratoga-housing-authority-apartments-are-going-smoke-free/
Oregon – In Ashland a smoking ban is closer to becoming law as the new ordinance passed its first reading with a 2nd reading scheduled for May 3 via Ashland Daily Tidings https://www.dailytidings.com/article/20160420/NEWS/160429962
