Each Friday we take a look at new legislation on a local or state level.. This is what is happening this week….
Ohio – The Maumee City Council voted 5-2 favor of asking the Code Committee about the legality of raising the age to posses, purchase r sell tobacco from 18 to 21. Recently the Mayor, Rich Carr asked the council to raise the smoking age. Maumee is located just southwest of Toledo.
New York – As of April 1, Geneva Housing Authority tenants will not be able to smoke inside their apartments or in common areas. Outdoors, no smoking will be allowed within 25 feet of any building or outdoor common areas, such as gazebos or playgrounds.
Massachusetts – On February 22 the Falmouth Board of Health will be holding a hearing on raising the purchase age for tobacco to 21.
Utah – A bill in Utah that was looking to ban smoking rooms in airports was defeated by 1 vote… The best quote from the hearing comes from Sen. Mark Madsen, R-Saratoga Springs who asked “What is the proper role of government? Is government supposed to protect our rights and freedoms or … run our lives because it knows better?”
Alabama – The Anniston City Council voted 3-1 to keep a cigar bar exemption in place with in the city. To quality as a cigar bar a store needs at lease $50,000 worth of cigars in inventory and 50% of revenue must come from cigars…
Washington – A bill to raise the state smoking age to 21 has stalled in the state. According to a fiscal analysis if the measure passed it would cost the state over 30 million in loss tax revenue over the next few years.
Missouri – The City Council of Gladstone pass and new ordinance that will go into effect on March 1 making it allege to sell tobacco or nicotine delivery products to those under the age of 21 .
Iowa – A state Senate committee voted against becoming the second state to raise the tobacco purchase age to 21. However, bill sponsor Herman Quimbach said he plans to introduce the proposal once again next year.
