Each week we share some of the news that comes across our desk about upcoming legislation.. This week we have stories from California, Florida, Indiana, Missouri, New York, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas & West Virginia
California – According to the Cigar Association of America California’s SB1400 which looked to limit tobacco sales to stores that derived 60% of its business from tobacco failed to get voted on in the state assembly.
Florida – In Gainesville the Housing Authority is planning on making all public housing smoke free. The new measure will go into effect on October 1s via WCJB https://www.wcjb.com/local-news/2016/06/public-housing-plans-ban-smoking
Indiana – In Lebanon it will now be illegal to smoke in parks as the parks board passed a measure 5-1 prohibiting the right to light up in its seven parks via The Lebanon Reporter https://www.reporter.net/news/local_news/park-board-approves-no-smoking-resolution/article_f0f34943-7f53-51b6-af2b-8aee3f2b9971.html
Missouri – The city of Creve Coeur is consider a smoking ban at restaurants and a vote could come as soon as next week via KPLR https://kplr11.com/2016/06/27/creve-coeur-considering-outdoor-smoking-ban-near-restaurants/
In Jefferson City a measure to raise the tobacco purchase age from 18 to 21 failed to pass after the city council was in a deadlock on the vote. The measure will be revisited in a month since the deciding vote was absent from the meeting via KQFX https://www.abc17news.com/news/tobacco-21-measure-falls-flat-at-committee-meeting/40298320
New York – The Cortland County Legislature voted to not to raise the tobacco purchase age from 18 to 21 years old. Many lawmakers rightfully pointed out if at 18 you can choose to go to war then you should have the right to choose tobacco via WXHC https://www.wxhc.com/?p=17941
New Hampshire – The state legislature signed HB 1503 into law. The measure removes the tax on inexpensive premium cigars via https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billText.aspx?id=774&txtFormat=html
Oklahoma – Fort Sill, Oklahoma has a new anti-tobacco policy that will ban all tobacco use by the end of the year. According to Health Promotion Officer Lisa Martinez the number once priority of the Arm is soldier readiness and tobacco reduces a unit’s ability to be ready via KSWO – https://www.kswo.com/story/32347877/fort-sill-implements-new-tobacco-ban
Oregon – In the city of La Grande it is now illegal to smoke in city parks including two that are outside city limits. Violators can be fined $500 per offense and be banned for up to 30 days via My Easter Oregon https://www.myeasternoregon.com/2016/06/23/la-grande-smoking-ban-includes-morgan-lake-riverside-park/
The city of Coos Bay is contemplating a smoking ban on all Coos Bay property via KCBY https://kcby.com/news/local/coos-bay-council-ponders-smoking-ban-at-all-city-owned-facilities
Texas – The city of Mission is the latest city in Texas to become smoke free. City commissioners unanimously approved a new ordinance banning smoking in public spaces during a city council meeting via Brownsville Herald https://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/valley/article_2b5aa692-3ce0-11e6-8de6-2b914a748aa6.html
West Virginia – The Fairmont City Council voted in favor of the first reading of an ordinance that will ban the use of any tobacco or e-cig use at city parks and recreational facilities. The fine for not following this could be up to $100 via WDTV https://www.wdtv.com/wdtv.cfm?func=view§ion=5-News&item=Fairmont-Council-Sets-Public-Hearings-on-Smoking-Ban-Parking-Rates-31593
