Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Health Care Committee

SB 6337

Brief Description:  Prohibiting tobacco product sampling.

Sponsors:  Senators Oke, Haugen, Eide, Swecker, B. Sheldon, Hargrove, Spanel, Prentice, Jacobsen, Fraser, Gardner and Rasmussen.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Distribution of samples of tobacco products to members of the public is prohibited.

Hearing Date:  2/25/02

Staff:  Dave Knutson (786‑7146).

Background:

A marketing technique used by cigarette makers is the distribution of free samples.  The business of sampling is regulated by the liquor control board.  Upon payment of an annual fee, a sampler may distribute tobacco samples in authorized areas.  These areas include:  areas where children under the age of 18 are denied admission, in a store or concession to which a retailer=s license has been issued, or at or adjacent to a production, repair, or outdoor construction site or facility.  Samplers are prohibited from distributing samples within 500 feet of a playground, school, or other facility being used primarily by persons under 18 years of age.

Summary of Bill:

Distribution of samples of tobacco products to members of the public is prohibited.  Various provisions of the laws regulating this practice are deleted or repealed.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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