Friday, February 18 2011
Hawaii and Illinois join the states of Washington and Minnesota with Positive Bills
By J. Glynn Loope, CRA Executive Director
First, some excellent news. The Mississippi legislature has defeated both pending smoking ban bills. HB 131 and SB 2514 have been defeated in committee within their respective chamber. Liberty is alive in Mississippi. We are also pleased to report that all attempts to expand smoking regulations in Virginia have also been defeated for 2011.
Maybe it's the economy, maybe it's political pressure, or maybe a sense of practicality is starting to work its way into the legislative process (no, scrap that one.) However, we can say that it is at least refreshing that a select number of states – states with a rich history in supporting anti-smoking legislation – are at least seeing the crafting of progressive measures to roll back some aspects of their smoking ban statutes.
At this stage in the national debate, we can indeed, be excited at the very introduction of such legislation. The message is being heard. It is being conveyed by business owners, customers, tourists and taxpayers. The public wants choices.
For complete updates on tobacco legislation in your state visit www.cigarrights.org.
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