SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5754

BYSenators Williams and Warnke

Revising provisions on chewing tobacco.

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 2, 1987; March 3, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass and refer to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Warnke, Chairman; Smitherman, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Lee, Vognild, Williams.

Senate Staff:Mark McDermott (786-7429)

                  March 3, 1987

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 6, 1987; March 9, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators McDermott, Chairman; Gaspard, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Bluechel, Fleming, Kreidler, Lee, Rasmussen, Rinehart, Saling, Talmadge, Williams.

Senate Staff:Jan Sharar (786-7715)

                  March 10, 1987

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, MARCH 9, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The use of snuff and chewing tobacco by minors is increasing.  Recent studies indicate smokeless tobacco may cause cancer and other serious health problems.

SUMMARY:

An additional tax of 2 1/2 percent of the wholesale price of tobacco products is established.  The proceeds shall be used exclusively for education on the harmful effects of tobacco products.

The Department of Social and Health Services shall use the revenues to establish and maintain an educational program designed for school-age children on the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco and other tobacco products.

It is unlawful to use smokeless tobacco products on school grounds.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

The additional tax levied on tobacco products is an additional 1-1/4 percent.  It shall be unlawful to use tobacco products on school grounds.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: COMMERCE & LABOR:  Patricia Roberts, Seattle-King County Health Department; Steve Wehrly, Smokeless Tobacco Council

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS: No one