Each week we share some of the news that comes across our desk about upcoming legislation.. This week we have stories from Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri and Texas.
Illinois – The proposal to raise the state tobacco from 18 to 21 advanced to the full chamber of the senate this week. The measure passed a committee hearing 6-3 via The Southern Illinoisan.
Maryland – The Town Council of Mount Airy banned smoking in parks this week. The ordinance which was first proposed in November will carry a $25 fine via Carroll County Times.
Massachusetts – Effective July 1, 2016 in Marblehead the legal age to purchase tobacco goes from 18 to 21 after the Board of Health voted to unanimously raise the purchase age via Wicked Local.
In Plainview the board of health has unanimously approved a regulation that raise the age to tobacco products from 18 to 21.A first violation of the regulation calls for a $100 fine, the second, a $200 fine, and third, a $300 fine and hearing before the board of health for a license suspension or revocation via The Sun Chronicle.
Minnesota – This week the Waseca City Council agreed to set a six-month moratorium on tobacco-related business and land use in the city to study the adequacy of existing ordinances related to tobacco licenses. The move comes as two businesses await applications to open up stores with tobacco products. The moratorium was set without a public hearing or a 10-day period as normally required. via Waseca County News.
Missouri – In West Plains this week voters took to the polls to vote on a number of measures one of which included a smoking ban. The measure was passed and smoking is now prohibited in public places and work places in the city. It also makes designated smoking sections in restaurants illegal. 71% of the city residents voted in favor of the measure via KSMU.
Texas – The Port Arthur City Council voted on Tuesday to ban smoking at restaurants and bars via KFDM.
