SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2557

BYRepresentatives Sprenkle, Prentice, Leonard, Wolfe, Fraser, Brooks, Moyer, Rust, Valle, Jesernig, May, Nelson, Locke, Cole, Morris, Phillips, Jacobsen, Dorn, Braddock, Rector, Pruitt, Inslee, Rasmussen and Brekke

Restricting promotional distribution of tobacco.

House Committe on Health Care

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 14, 1990

Senate Staff:Greg Miller (786-7784)

AS OF FEBRUARY 13, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The distribution, free of charge or for a nominal cost, of cigarettes, cigars, and any other tobacco products intended for consumption is not directly regulated by Washington State law.  The sale of individual cigarettes that lack both health warnings and do not bear revenue stamps is also permitted under current state law.

SUMMARY:

The distribution, free of charge or at a nominal cost,  of cigarettes, cigars, or any other tobacco products intended for tobacco consumption is prohibited.  The sale of individual cigarettes or other tobacco products without a revenue stamp and the appropriate federally mandated health warnings is also prohibited, except for stores specializing in the sale of tobacco products. Penalties for violation of this act are covered under unfair business practices consumer protection provisions.  Individuals or the state may sue to enjoin the action, plus damages, plus treble damages, not to exceed $10,000, plus court costs and attorneys' fees.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 9, 1990