Interesting legislative news posted today from the National Association of Tobacco Outlets, Inc. (NATO)*. Below are some highlights of activity on state tobacco bills that pertain to the brothers & sisters of the leaf.
Legislative Action on State Tobacco Bills Recent action that has taken place on tobacco-related bills pending in state legislatures:
California: Senate Bill 977, was amended on April 4, 2016 and now prohibits smoking within 25 feet of playgrounds and tot lots, prohibits the use of any tobacco product, including smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes, within 250 feet of a youth sports event, and allows local jurisdictions to adopt stricter measures.
Vermont: House Bill 93, which was amended to increase the purchase age to 21, (except for active military personnel), to increase the cigarette and little cigar tax by $.39 per pack, and to raise the tax on other tobacco products by $.32 per ounce, all over a three year period, passed the House on April 6, 2016.
Newly Introduced State Tobacco Bills
The following bill was recently introduced in state legislature:
Louisiana: House Bill 981, requiring certain tobacco wholesalers to collect advance sales tax payments upon the sale of tobacco products to retail dealers.
*NATO is a national trade association organized to enhance the common business interests of all tobacco retailers and to monitor and assist members in responding to tobacco-related legislation on the local, state and federal levels.