Each week we list all the legislation in one easy to find place. This week brings stories from California, Kansas, Mississippi, New York and Oregon.
California – You can add Palo Alto to the list of cities looking to pursue a smoking ban with the City Council approving the pursuit of a measure to raise the tobacco age to 21. A hearing is scheduled in the coming weeks.
Kansas – You can now add Iola, KS to the growing list of cities and towns in the state you need to be 21 to purchase tobacco products. The measure will go into effect on June 1st, 2016.
Mississippi – Currently all Mississippi counties allow the sale of tobacco to 18-year-olds. That could change according to Adams County Supervisor and board president Mike Lazarus. He says he wants to make it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under 21. The county plans to hold a public hearing in the near future.
New York – New York’s highest court is considering whether to overturn smoking restrictions in state parks, including an outright ban at several smaller parks in New York City. A decision is expected next month.
Oregon – In the state of Oregon the cost of doing business for retailers could be going up thanks to a bill by Rep. Brent Barton (D-40) and Sen. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward (D-17), The two democrats have introduced H.B. 4103 which would require tobacco retailers to obtain a $1,000 license and renew it every five years.
