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SCLD Update |
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Tobacco-Use Reduction In Alabama, S.B. 300 prohibits minors under age 19 from purchasing, using, possessing, or transporting tobacco or tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipe tobacco, and smokeless tobacco. This provision does not apply to minors acting as part of their employment duties or when an employee of the permit holder who is age 21 or older is present. Minors who violate the law will be issued a citation and fined, and the tobacco will be subject to seizure as contraband. The law also prohibits the distribution of: (1) tobacco or tobacco products, except cigars, unless in an original factory-wrapped container; (2) single cigarettes; and (3) packages containing fewer than 20 cigarettes. The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board ("Board"), in conjunction with Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, must enforce state and Federal laws that prohibit the distribution of tobacco or tobacco products to minors. Minors who have parental consent may be used in inspections and enforcement purposes if they are supervised by an enforcement agent of the Board or other law enforcement authority. The Board may levy administrative penalties, including graduated fines and the possibility of permit suspension or revocation, against permit holders or employees, or both. First-time offenders may be able to participate in the Responsible Vendor Program in lieu of a fine. The Board may also promulgate rules and regulations that have the full force and effect of law for the purposes of: (1) establishing permits for the distribution of tobacco products, (2) preventing the distribution of tobacco products to minors, and (3) conducting annual random compliance tests using minors. See the additional summary of this bill in the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Vendor Licensure section. Arkansas H.B. 1530 provides that the state Tobacco Control Board ("Board") may suspend or revoke permits of violators of the youth access to tobacco law. The Director of the Board may inspect any premises where tobacco products are distributed, stored, or sold. The law does not preempt more restrictive local regulation of the manufacture, sale, storage, or distribution of tobacco products. H.B. 1088, passed in Colorado, amends the location restrictions for cigarette vending machines. Cigarette vending machines may now be placed only in establishments where the machine dispenses cigarettes through a device that enables an adult employee to prevent minors from obtaining cigarettes. A Florida law (H.B. 845) substantially amends the state youth access to tobacco law, effective October 1, 1997. Persons under age 18 are now prohibited from: (1) purchasing any tobacco product from a person or vending machine; (2) knowingly possessing any tobacco product; or (3) misrepresenting their ages or military service in an attempt to induce a dealer to sell, give, barter, furnish, or deliver any tobacco product. Minors who violate the law are subject to: (1) fines; (2) community service; (3) attendance at a school approved anti-tobacco program, if locally available; and (4) possible suspension, revocation, or withholding of their driver's licenses. Minors are exempt from the provisions of the law in certain circumstances, including when they are acting in their scope of employment or working with law enforcement agencies to test the compliance of tobacco products dealers with the law. In addition to the penalties set forth in current law, selling, delivering, bartering, furnishing, or giving tobacco products to a minor for a second or subsequent time within one year of the first violation constitutes a misdemeanor. Giving sample tobacco products to minors is prohibited and is also a misdemeanor. The law also sets forth requirements concerning vending machines, employee conduct, and sign- posting. Except for cigars and pipe tobacco, the sale of tobacco products from vending machines is prohibited, unless the machine is equipped with a lockout device that is under the control of the dealer or his employee, and ensures that only one tobacco product is dispensed at a time. With the same exception, the sale or delivery of tobacco products must take place under the direct control or line of sight of the dealer or his employee, unless the establishment prohibits persons under age 18 on the premises. Establishments that prohibit persons under age 18 are exempt from the vending machine provisions. Proof that employees of the dealer committed at least 3 violations during a 180-day period evidences a lack of due diligence by the dealer. Dealers must also post signs in retail places and at checkout counters delineating the age and identification requirements of the law. The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco of the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation, along with law enforcement officers, must enforce the law and may suspend or revoke a retail tobacco products dealer's permit for any violation. See the additional summary of this bill in the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Tobacco Education section. By passing S.B. 1286, Hawaii now permits minors under age 18 with parental authorization to participate in controlled purchases as part of a law enforcement activity or a study authorized by the state Department of Health to determine the level of incidence of tobacco sales to minors. S.B. 1101, passed in Illinois, authorizes the state Liquor Control Commission to contract with appropriate Federal agencies to conduct unannounced investigations of tobacco vendors to determine compliance with Federal laws relating to the illegal sale of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. Iowa passed two laws amending its youth access statutes. The first law, S.F. 163, eliminates previous provisions regarding placement of cigarette and tobacco product vending machines. The sale of cigarettes or tobacco products through vending machines is now prohibited unless the machine is located in a place where the retailer ensures that no one under age 18 is present or permitted to enter at any time. Through the passage of S.F. 499, the enforcement provisions for minors who purchase, attempt to purchase, use, or possess tobacco products are expanded. For such violations, minors are subject to graduated civil penalties. Maine also enacted two pieces of legislation concerning youth access. L.D. 1902 prohibits persons under age 18 from purchasing, possessing, or using cigarettes, cigarette paper, or any tobacco product. In L.D. 142, certain provisions relating to the sale of tobacco products to minors are amended. First, sellers are prohibited from selling tobacco products to any person under age 27 unless they first verify that person's age through reliable photographic identification containing the person's date of birth. Second, tobacco products must be sold only in a direct, face-to-face exchange. Third, sales through the mail must provide reliable verification that the purchaser is not a minor. Violation of any of these provisions is a civil violation and subject to fines and court costs. L.D. 142 also mandates that vending machines containing cigarettes or other tobacco products be located only in areas in which minors are allowed only when accompanied by an adult. Finally, cigarettes in the original, sealed package may not contain fewer than 20 cigarettes. In Minnesota, H.F. 117 expands the state's tobacco sales to minors law. The law prohibits persons from selling single packages of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in open displays that are accessible to the public without the intervention of a store employee; however, multipack units may be offered and sold through open displays. Also under H.F. 117, only facilities that are inaccessible to persons under age 18 may sell tobacco products through vending machines. H.F. 117 also requires a licensing authority to conduct annual, unannounced compliance checks using minors ages 15 to 17 who have prior written consent of a parent or guardian. Minnesota law does not preempt more restrictive local ordinances related to tobacco sales. Licensed sellers or employees who sell tobacco products to a person under age 18 are subject to graduated penalties including fines and the possibility of license suspension. Licensed sellers or retailers have a defense to prosecution for relying in good faith upon the purchaser's proof of age. A minor who violates the law may be subject to a fine, community service, probation of up to six months, other court-ordered activities, or possible suspension of his/her driver's license. The state Commissioner of Public Safety may also suspend the driver's license of any person convicted of lending or knowingly allowing a minor to use the person's license to buy or attempt to buy tobacco products. The Mississippi Juvenile Tobacco Access Prevention Act of 1997 ("Act," H.B. 1389) repeals and replaces previous youth access statutes, except for the state preemption provisions, effective February 1, 1998. The new law prohibits: (1) any person or retailer from selling, bartering, delivering, or giving tobacco products to any individual under age 18, unless a minor holds a retailer's license to sell tobacco; (2) retailers from distributing tobacco products, other than cigars and pipe tobacco, for commercial purposes, other than in a manufacturer's sealed package with the required health warning; and (3) selling tobacco products through a vending machine, unless the machine is located in an establishment where minors are denied access or are required to be accompanied by an adult. Violators of the first and second provisions are subject to graduated penalties including fines, completion of a Retailer Tobacco Education Program, and possible suspension or revocation of the retailer's permit. A fine may be imposed for violation of the vending machine location restriction. The law also sets forth several affirmative defenses. H.B. 1389 also requires retailers to post signs at each point of sale or distribution, advise employees of the law, and have employees sign an agreement of understanding and observance of the law. Violators are subject to monetary penalties, with certain exemptions. The Act also prohibits persons under age 18 from purchasing tobacco products. Minors who falsely represent themselves as 18 years of age or older when purchasing or possessing tobacco or tobacco products are subject to monetary penalties and/or community service. All law enforcement officers and law enforcement agencies of the state have enforcement authority. The state Attorney General's office or local law enforcement agencies must annually conduct random, unannounced inspections to ensure compliance with the law. Minors, upon written consent of a parent or legal guardian, may be enlisted to participate in inspections and will not be in violation of the law for doing so, provided they are supervised by law enforcement officials. The Attorney General's office must report its findings to the state Department of Health and the state Department of Mental Health which must prepare the annual report required by 42 U.S.C. 300x-26 ("Synar Amendment"). See the additional summary of this bill in the Tobacco- Use Reduction/Vendor Licensure section. In Montana, H.B. 331 now restricts the sale of tobacco products through vending machines to places where alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed on the premises and where the machines are within the direct line of sight of the owner or an employee. Tobacco products may be sold through vending machines in restaurants only if the restaurant has a bar, and the restaurant shares seating with the bar area. Through H.B. 599, New Hampshire amends its youth access to tobacco laws, effective January 1, 1998. Selling, giving, or furnishing tobacco products to minors under 18 years of age is now prohibited. Persons responsible for making retail tobacco products sales must request proof of age from prospective purchasers. The law also: (1) restricts to specified public places the distribution of free tobacco products samples, (2) prohibits the sale of single cigarettes, and (3) requires cigarettes to be sold in the original package with the Surgeon General's warning. Violation of any of these provisions is a civil infraction subject to graduated penalties including fines and possible license suspension or revocation. Subsequent violations of certain provisions are misdemeanors. The law also provides a defense to prosecution in certain instances. H.B. 599 also requires tobacco product vending machines, except those located in places inaccessible to minors, to be equipped with lock-out devices allowing only single sales when activated. Vending machine operators are required to request proof of age and to post signs informing customers of the law regarding sales to minors. Violation of the vending machine provisions is a civil infraction by the licensee and punishable by graduated fines. The state Liquor Commission, in conjunction with local, county, and state law enforcement officers, has enforcement authority for the above provisions. However, the law does not preempt local governments from adopting laws, ordinances, and regulations that are more stringent that the state law, except in the case of vending machines. See the additional summaries of this bill in the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Clean Indoor Air section and the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Vendor Licensure section. Oklahoma enacted S.B. 619, which amends the Prevention of Youth Access to Tobacco Act, effective November 1, 1997. The new law increases the administrative fine for persons who sell or furnish tobacco products to, or purchase tobacco products for, persons under 18, or for sellers who fail to demand proof of age. However, sellers and distributors are no longer required to demand proof of age from a person of age who has previously produced such proof. The owner of a store may be liable for violations committed by an employee who has previously been twice found to be in violation of the law. License suspensions apply for certain multiple violations and for store owners who fail to pay an administrative fine within 90 days. The law also increases penalties for failing to post required signs and for distributing product samples on any public street, sidewalk, or park within 300 feet of a playground, school, or other facility used primarily by minors. At the same time, the penalty for selling cigarettes other than in the original sealed manufacturer's package is now specified as up to $200. In Texas, S.B. 55 expands the state's youth access to tobacco law, effective January 1, 1998. Under the new law, selling or giving cigarettes or tobacco products to persons under age 27 is prohibited, unless the purchaser or recipient presents valid photo identification. No one may distribute to persons under age 18 free cigarettes, tobacco product samples, or coupons or other items that can be redeemed for free or discounted cigarettes or tobacco products samples. The use of coupons for free or discounted cigarettes or tobacco product samples through the mail is also prohibited. Except in facilities or businesses that do not permit access by minors or are designed to store cigars in a climate-controlled environment, retailers or other persons may not install or maintain cigarette or tobacco product vending machines or offer for sale cigarettes or tobacco products without vendor assistance. Retailers are required to train, supervise, and inform employees about the law and to ensure that employees sign a form indicating their understanding of, and agreement to comply with, the law. Violation of any of these provisions by a retailer or employee is a Class C misdemeanor. In addition to criminal penalties, retailers, if found guilty, are subject to disciplinary action from the office of the state Comptroller of Public Accounts ("Comptroller"), including graduated fines and the possibility of permit suspension or revocation. However, a seller has a defense to prosecution if the recipient produced an apparently valid proof of identification, and retailers have a defense if they can produce a signed and dated copy of the aforementioned employee agreement. Selling cigarettes in individual packages of fewer than 20 is an offense subject to a $100 fine. S.B. 55 expressly prohibits persons under 18 years of age from possessing, purchasing, consuming, or accepting cigarettes or tobacco products, or from presenting fraudulent proof of age in order to obtain cigarettes or tobacco products. The only exceptions are minors who possess a cigarette or tobacco product in the presence of an adult parent or guardian, for employment duties, or as part of an inspection. Minors who violate the law are subject to: (1) a fine, (2) required attendance at a tobacco awareness program or performance of community service, and (3) possible suspension or denial of issuance of a driver's license for failure to satisfactorily complete the tobacco awareness program or community service. The Comptroller is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Synar Amendment (42 U.S.C. 300x-26) by conducting at least annual random, unannounced inspections of places where cigarettes are sold or distributed, and by preparing an annual report to the Governor that is to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. With parental consent, minors under age 17 may be used in inspections. S.B. 55 also specifies that state law does not preempt local regulation of the sale, distribution, or use of cigarettes or tobacco products that are equal to or more stringent than state law. See the additional summaries of this bill in the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Tobacco Education section and the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Miscellaneous Tobacco section. Through S.B. 156, Vermont now prohibits persons from selling or providing tobacco products to any person under age 18. Violators are subject to graduated civil penalties with the possibility of license suspension. Persons under age 18 may not possess tobacco products; however, minors acting as agents of their employers or participating in compliance tests are exempt from any purchasing or possession requirements. Minors who violate the law are subject to: (1) a civil penalty, (2) confiscation of the tobacco product, and (3) possible suspension of their driver's licenses or delay of the initial licensing for up to one year. Beginning January 1, 1999, tobacco licensees cannot display or store tobacco products in places that are accessible to consumers without direct assistance by the sales personnel. Exempt from this provision are the following: (1) tobacco products displays located in a commercial establishment that by law are inaccessible to minors, (2) unopened cigarette cartons and multi- packs of smokeless tobacco, and (3) cigars and pipe tobacco stored in a humidor on the sales counter in plain view and under the control of a responsible employee. S.B. 156 also restricts the placement of tobacco product vending machines to commercial establishments that by law are inaccessible to minors. A violation of this provision will result in the vending machine being seized. On January 1, 2001, vending machines selling tobacco products will be prohibited, subject to receiving any necessary exemption from preemption from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration. The law also deletes the provisions that explicitly allow municipalities to impose more restrictive conditions on the sale of tobacco products through vending machines. The state Department of Liquor Control now has enforcement authority and must conduct compliance tests of tobacco licensees as necessary to assure a 90 percent statewide compliance rate. In addition, the state Department of Health and Department of Liquor Control must conduct inspections for violations of the tobacco products law while conducting any other inspection. The law also requires the state Board of Education to develop and distribute to state school boards a model policy prohibiting the possession of tobacco products by September 1, 1997. The policy must include methods for handling contraband and for appropriate referrals to law enforcement personnel. See the additional summaries of this bill in the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Clean Indoor Air section and the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Tobacco Education section. The Virginia House and Senate passed identical measures (H.B. 2530 and S.B. 1162) increasing the civil penalties for violators of certain youth access to tobacco statutes. The laws impose graduated fines upon any person who: (1) sells or distributes to, or purchases cigarettes or other tobacco products for, persons under age 18; (2) knowingly permits any minor to purchase tobacco products, including cigarettes and cigars, if the person knows or has reason to believe the person is under age 18; or (3) any person who violates the vending machine sign-posting provisions. A judge may suspend the driver's license of a minor who commits a third or subsequent violation related to purchasing or possessing cigarettes or other tobacco products. With the enactment of H.B. 1781, Arkansas now prohibits the smoking of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or other tobacco products in the Governor's Conference Room, the Old Supreme Court Room, and the Rotunda and cafeteria in the state Capitol Building. Legislation enacted in Indiana (S.B. 66) expands the definition of "public buildings" to include paid police and firefighter stations. Smoking in public buildings such as these is restricted to designated areas. Additionally, the law gives complete authority to regulate smoking within a state institution to the superintendent of that institution. Maine enacted two clean indoor air measures, the first of which addresses day care or baby- sitting services located in private residences. Through the passage of L.D. 1153, the state designates as public places, child care areas in private residences, as well as adjacent areas from which smoke could enter while children are present. Smoking in public places is restricted to designated areas. The second law, L.D. 1275, requires the Chief of State Police to adopt rules concerning beano or bingo games that allow a licensee to establish a nonsmoking area within the room or outdoor area where the operator calls the numbers. Three states—New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington—enacted laws prohibiting the use of tobacco products in educational facilities. New Hampshire passed H.B. 599, which bans the use of tobacco products in, or on the grounds of, any public educational facility. The state Liquor Commission is responsible for administering the ban. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $100 per offense. However, local governments may adopt laws, ordinances, and regulations that are more stringent than the state law. See the additional summaries of this bill in the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Tobacco Access by Minors section and the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Vendor Licensure section. Vermont enacted S.B. 156, which requires each public school board to adopt policies prohibiting the possession and use of tobacco products by students at all times while under the supervision of school staff. The policies must include confiscation and appropriate referrals to law enforcement authorities. See the additional summaries of this bill in the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Tobacco Access by Minors section and the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Tobacco Education section. Washington passed H.B. 1081, which requires school districts to adopt written policies banning the use of all tobacco products on public school property. The policies must require: (1) the posting of signs prohibiting the use of tobacco products, (2) sanctions for students and school personnel who violate the policy, and (3) enforcement by school district personnel. The sanctions adopted in the school board policy must be in addition to penalties imposed by the state's clean indoor air law. In Texas, H.B. 1427 mandates that the use of tobacco products by employees of the state Department of Criminal Justice be restricted to designated areas during work hours. The state Board of Criminal Justice is responsible for promulgating rules to this effect and any other rules regulating the use and possession of tobacco products. By passing S.B. 415, West Virginia now bans the use or possession of tobacco products by inmates held in facilities operated by the state Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority ("Authority"). To facilitate the prohibition, the Authority may establish smoking cessation programs. Rhode Island adopted H.R. 5487, a resolution in which the state House of Representatives pledged not to smoke in the State House and encourages all other elected officials to do the same. Excise Taxes Both Alaska and Maine enacted legislation that at least doubles their excise tax rates on cigarettes. Effective October 1, 1997, Alaska, through S.B. 13, is the first state to raise its excise tax on cigarettes to $1.00 per pack (the tax previously was 29 cents per pack). S.B. 13 also raises the tax on tobacco products other than cigarettes to 75 percent of the wholesale price. Through L.D. 1904, effective November 1, 1997, Maine's excise tax increases from 37 to 74 cents per pack. Revenue generated by the tax must be transferred to the Tobacco Tax Relief Fund for allocation to the newly established Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. Likewise, New Hampshire passed a law, H.B. 2, that increases its excise tax on cigarettes from 25 to 37 cents a pack. With S.B. 300, Alabama requires distributors (i.e., those who sell, barter, exchange, or give tobacco or tobacco products for promotional purposes or for gratis) to obtain a permit from the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board ("Board"). In addition, any person who maintains a tobacco or tobacco products vending machine must obtain a permit for each machine at each location. Failure to obtain necessary permit(s) by January 1, 1998, will result in a warning citation. After this date, such a failure is a misdemeanor offense and punishable by a fine of $100 to $500 for the first violation, and $500 to $1,500 for each subsequent violation. In addition, upon finding that a permit holder has violated any law related to the manufacture, sale, possession, or transportation of tobacco products, the Board may levy graduated administrative fines, suspend or revoke the permit, or both. See the additional summary of this bill in the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Tobacco Access by Minors section. The Maine legislature enacted L.D. 1615, which penalizes distributors who possess or intend to sell cigarettes without a license with a fine of $250 to $500 for the first violation, and $500 to $1,000 for each subsequent violation. Mississippi passed a measure (H.B. 1389) that will include retailers of tobacco products among those who must obtain a permit for each place of business from the Commissioner of the state Tax Commission ("Commissioner"), as of February 1, 1998. Also, the Commissioner may revoke a permit after a second violation of the licensure law. See the additional summary of this bill in the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Tobacco Access by Minors section. H.B. 599, enacted in New Hampshire, requires samplers (i.e., persons distributing free tobacco products for promotional purposes) to obtain a license from the state Commissioner of Revenue Administration. See the additional summaries of this bill in the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Tobacco Access by Minors section and the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Clean Indoor Air section. In Florida, H.B. 845 requires 80 percent of all penalties received for violation of the minors' access to tobacco law to be transferred to the state Department of Education as required by the state Comprehensive Health Education and Substance Abuse Program for teacher training and research and evaluation to reduce and prevent the use of tobacco products by children. See the additional summary of this bill in the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Tobacco Access by Minors section. Texas enacted S.B. 55, which requires the state Commissioner of Public Health to develop and implement a public awareness campaign designed to reduce tobacco use by minors. The campaign may use advertisements or similar media to provide educational information about tobacco use. See the additional summaries of this bill in the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Tobacco Access by Minors section and the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Miscellaneous Tobacco section. Vermont passed S.B. 156, which requires that the state Department of Education's alcohol and drug abuse prevention education curriculum and training programs include the legal consequences of possessing tobacco products. See the additional summaries of this bill in the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Tobacco Access by Minors section and the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Clean Indoor Air section. Two resolutions adopted by Texas (S.R. 920 and H.C.R. 286) encourage the state Department of Health to partner with the American Cancer Society and other national and state health associations to ensure that tobacco prevention education and cessation programs help reduce the economic and human toll of tobacco use on the citizens of the state. Iowa enacted a law (S.F. 542) creating a Tobacco Settlement Fund ("Fund") in the state Treasurer's office. After payment of litigation costs, any money received from the settlement of the state's lawsuit for recovery of public expenditures associated with tobacco use must be deposited in the Fund. Monies deposited must be appropriated to the state Department of Human Services for the medical assistance program and to the state Department of Public Health for programs to reduce smoking by teenagers. Legislation enacted in Texas (S.B. 55) prohibits cigarette and tobacco product advertisement signs within 1,000 feet of a church or school. Violators are subject to an administrative penalty of up to $5,000 per day. However, the law does not apply to signs that were located between 500 and 1,000 feet from these places before September 1, 1997. See the additional summaries of this bill in the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Tobacco Access by Minors section, and in the Tobacco-Use Reduction/Tobacco Education section. Also in Texas, H.B. 119 requires manufacturers to assign a nicotine yield rating to each cigarette or tobacco product distributed in the state, effective January 1, 1998. Nicotine yield ratings must reflect nicotine intake for an average consumer. Manufacturers also must submit an annual report to the state Department of Health identifying the nicotine yield rating and each ingredient in a cigarette or tobacco product other than tobacco, water, or a reconstituted tobacco sheet made wholly from tobacco. Four states—California, Delaware, Illinois, and Rhode Island—adopted resolutions calling for action against the tobacco industry for recovery of costs related to smoking illnesses. The California resolution (S.C.R. 4) requests the state Attorney General to bring suit against all tobacco companies for reimbursement for costs incurred by the state's Medi-Cal program due to smoking-related illnesses. In Delaware, a resolution (S.C.R. 17) requests the Governor, Secretary of the state Department of Health and Social Services, and state's Attorney General to review lawsuits filed against tobacco companies by other states to determine the advisability of the state pursuing its own litigation to recover Medicaid costs related to smoking illnesses, costs related to such litigation, and any other legal options. The Illinois House of Representatives adopted a resolution (H.R. 148) urging the state Department of Public Aid to develop recommendations for using a portion of the proceeds derived from lawsuits and litigation against the tobacco industry to pay for smoking cessation products. The products are to be made available with clinician-delivered support, including nicotine drug replacement therapy, for use in the Medicaid program. Rhode Island adopted two resolutions. The first (H.R. 6837) requests the state Attorney General to join other states in their lawsuits against tobacco companies. The second resolution(S.R. 23) requests the state Attorney General to initiate action against tobacco companies for reimbursement of state Medicaid costs related to the prevalence of smoking among the state's Medicaid population. |
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