Bills would ban, tax and combat tobacco

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Story Published: Mar 17, 2009 at 4:40 PM PST

By KVAL.com Staff

EUGENE, Ore. -- Lawmakers have already banned smoking in bars, but now tobacco may be restricted even more.

Six bills are working their way through the Capitol this legislative session that aim to restrict or affect tobacco use.

Here is a list of the upshot of each bill:

1. Ban smoking in cars with anyone under the age of 17 | HB 2385
2. Would stop stores form offering free samples of non-cigarette tobacco products | HB 2358
3. Forces stores that sell tobacco products to also sell products that aid in quitting smoking. | HB 2622
4. Bars tobacco products from being sold in vending machines. | HB 2136
5. Requires landlords to disclose their smoking policies. | HB 3135
6. Raise taxes on a single pack by 60 cents. | HB 2122

Tobacco lobbyists claim their biggest target is the tax on cigarettes. A state increase would come in addition to the 62 cent federal tax that goes into effect on April 1. The tobacco industry worries higher taxes could prompt smokers to drive to Mexico to buy cigarettes.

 

 

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