SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5300

                    As of February 27, 1995

Title:  An act relating to cigarette sales and advertising.

Brief Description:  Regulating the sales and advertising of cigarettes in the state of Washington.

Sponsors:  Senators Heavey, Pelz and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Health & Long-Term Care:  2/10/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Staff:  Don Sloma (786-7319)

Background:  The U.S. Surgeon General reports that smoking is the single most important preventable cause of death in our society.  Smoking is a major contributor to death and disease from coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, lung and other cancers and  chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.  More than 90 percent of all lung cancer is attributable to tobacco.

In Washington in 1990, an estimated 7,993 deaths were attributable to all uses of tobacco.

The Washington State Health Report, in each of the last three years, and the Public Health Improvement Plan each identified tobacco use as a top priority public health issue and identified several strategies to address it.  These strategies included efforts to discourage the advertising and marketing of tobacco.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  It is unlawful for cigarettes to be advertised on billboards, store fronts, or in state originated newspapers, magazines television or radio.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The requirement that all cigarettes sold in the state and taxed under state law be sold in black and white packaging is deleted.

Restrictions are placed on cigarette ads in magazines and all such restrictions are focused on advertisements in state originated newspapers, magazines, television and radio.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.