Each Friday we take a look at new legislation on a local or state level.. This is what is happening this week….
Alaska – Governor Bill Walker has introduced HB304 that would raise the tobacco tax within the state. The current tax is 75% of the wholesale price and the new proposal would change it to 100% of the wholesale cost. Currently a cigar that has an MSRP of $10.00 in the state costs $13.75, under the new proposal that would change to $15.00 if shop owners do not keystone the tax.
Massachusetts – The Worcester Housing Authority announced this week that it will ban smoking inside all of its properties beginning April 1st. The Worcester Housing Authority consists of 24 properties with about 3,000 total units and 10,000 residents.
Meanwhile in Falmouth, the Board of Health is set to raise the smoking age from 18 to 21 following a hearing this past Monday and will vote on the matter March 7th.
Over in Eaton, the Health Board this week voted to raise the tobacco purchase age from 18 to 21 at a public hearing. Under the new regulations, no tobacco permit will be issued if there are outstanding fine, and selling to those under 18 can result in fines up to $500.
Texas – Port Arthur is one step closer to becoming smoke free as the City Council has set April 5th for a public hearing that will look to ban smoking in public places.
Georgia – The Berkeley Lake City Council held a first reading on a proposal that would ban smoking and domestic pets on city park property. The Council will convene again in March for a second hearing in what they describe as an effort to curb undesirable activities…
