Each week we share some of the news that comes across our desk about upcoming legislation.. This week we have stories from Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin
Kansas – The City Council of Prairie Village voted to raise the tobacco age to 21 via Fox4KC
In Gardner, the City Council struck down a measure with a unanimous 5-0 that would have raised the smoking age to 21. While the mayor pushed for the legislation while the council said it would be an invasion of privacy via KMBC
Illinois – As reported on The Cigar Authority, Illinois Senator John Mulroe (D-Chicago) has sponsored a bill to raise the tobacco age to 21. This week it was reported the bill was assigned to the Senate’s Public Health Committe via NewsChannel 20
Iowa – On Monday, the City Council of West Des Moines unanimously approved an ordinance that bans smoking in 29 of its parks. Violators of the new law will be fined $100 via Des Moines Register
Louisiana – In Baton Rouge, a proposal to ban smoking in bars and casino is scheduled for a vote April 13th. Some bars have made the switch ahead of the vote and have told the council they have seen no loss in sales which does not bode well for smokers. via BProud
Massachusetts – The Mashpee Recreation Department has filed an article on the Annual May Town Meeting warrant to ban smoking on the town’s beaches. If passed smoking would be banned at this town on the Cape via Cape News
In North Adams, the Board of Health has proposed raising the tobacco purchase age to 21. On Wednesday the board set a hearing date for April and will also consider placing a cap on the amount of licenses to sell tobacco via Berkshire Eagle
Mississippi – The Adams County Board voted to raise the tobacco age to 21. Those who violate the new law will be fined $500 and banned from employment for 30 days at a tobacco retailer. Each subsequent offense would be $1,000 and a 90 day ban via Sun Herald
New York – In Mayville, the city council tabled a vote that could have raised the tobacco purchase age to 21. The table at the request of Mark Tarbrake, R-Jamestown, who requested more time and information on the impacts of a raise, with the main concern surrounding economics via The Post Journal
Ohio – In some good news, the state lawmakers are considering an exception to the state’s indoor smoking ban that would allow smoking at more private clubs via Your Radio Place
Pennsylvania – The city of Scranton is considering banning smoking at the 30 parks within the city limits. A hearing will be held at a future City Council meeting via The Times Tribune
Wisconsin – Governor Scott Walker signed into law that changes some laws in regards to tobacco licenses. Under the old law a retailer’s license could be revoked if 2 violations for selling to minors occurred in 12 months.
Under the new law there are now six different violations that can result in the loss of a license. 1) Selling to Minors 2) If the retailer keeps premises that are deemed “disorderly, riotous, indecent, or improper” 3) Fails to maintain proper sanitation standards 4) Permits known criminals or prostitutes to loiter on premises 5) Is convicted of manufacturing, distributing, delivering, or possession with intent to manufacture, distribute or deliver a controlled substance and 6) Knowingly allows on premises a person to manufacture, distribute, deliver or possess with the intent to manufacture, distribute or deliver a controlled substance via Fox6Now
