HOUSE BILL REPORT
SJM 8008
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness
Brief Description: Urging federal legislation to prohibit the sale of tobacco and vapor products to anyone under the age of twenty-one.
Sponsors: Senators Bailey, O'Ban and Kuderer.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Health Care & Wellness: 3/19/19, 3/27/19 [DPA].
Brief Summary of Bill (As Amended by Committee) |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Macri, Vice Chair; Davis, DeBolt, Harris, Jinkins, Riccelli, Robinson, Stonier, Thai and Tharinger.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Schmick, Ranking Minority Member; Caldier, Assistant Ranking Minority Member.
Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 1 member: Representative Chambers.
Staff: Jim Morishima (786-7191).
Background:
Federal law prohibits the sale of tobacco products to persons under the age of 18, but allows states to establish a higher age limit. Washington law prohibits the sale of tobacco products to persons under the age of 18. However, legislation introduced during the 2019 Legislative Session (House Bill 1074 and Senate Bill 5057) would increase that age to 21.
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Summary of Amended Bill:
The Legislature requests the federal age to purchase and use tobacco products to be increased to age 21. The memorial must be transmitted to the federal government upon the passage of House Bill 1074.
Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:
The amended joint memorial changes the scope of the joint memorial to include the use of tobacco and vapor products, in addition to the purchase of the products. The amended joint memorial also changes a reference to Senate Bill 5057 to the House companion measure, Engrossed House Bill 1074.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Tobacco products are highly addictive. Young people should not be able to purchase tobacco products until they are 21. This issue needs to be addressed on the federal level. Raising the smoking age on the state level will be ineffective because of online and tribal stores. Such a law unfairly burdens convenience and grocery stores, who are responsible for only a small fraction of the illegal tobacco sales to minors. Federal law requires online retailers to check identification on people under the age of 18. This joint memorial should be amended to request that Congress increase that age to 21.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Senator Bailey, prime sponsor; and Jan Gee, Washington Food Industry Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.