Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 2639
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. |
Brief Description: Exempting pipe tobacco from restrictions on shipping tobacco to consumers in Washington.
Sponsors: Representatives Dickerson, Conway, Blake, Carlyle, Armstrong, Pearson, Sells and Springer.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/19/10
Staff: Chris Cordes (786-7103).
Background:
Both federal and state law regulate the sale and shipment of cigarettes and other tobacco products. Under the federal Jenkins Act, interstate shippers of cigarettes who ship to anyone other than a licensed distributor must report to the state the names and addresses of customers and the quantities of cigarettes shipped.
Under the Minors' Access to Tobacco Products Act, youth access to tobacco products is limited and violations subject to certain civil and criminal penalties. This law also prohibits a person from shipping cigarettes or tobacco products, other than certain cigars, purchased by mail or through a computer, telephonic, or other electronic network to anyone in Washington other than a licensed wholesaler or retailer.
Summary of Bill:
Pipe tobacco is exempted from the law prohibiting the shipping of certain tobacco products purchased by mail or through the internet to Washington consumers.
"Pipe tobacco" is defined as only that tobacco which by appearance, type, packaging, and labeling is intended and suitable for consumers to purchase for smoking in a pipe.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.