Yesterday, time expired on the most recent session of the California legislative calendar, and it came and went without any action on a variety of tobacco measures. While smokers shouldn’t be celebrating a complete victory yet, it means that potential tax increases, a minimum purchasing age increase, modified smoking ban and other provisions are likely on hold until next year. A special session had been called in California to help deal with highway spending, as well as to resolve a budget shortfall in the state’s healthcare system. Legislators, particularly in the California Senate, took the opportunity to not only address revenue for healthcare, but also propose other tobacco restrictions. Those seven bills are: S.B.X2 5 — Would classify e-cigarettes and vaping devices as “tobacco products.” S.B.X2 6 — Would extend the smoking ban to most businesses with more than five employees. S.B.X2 7 — Would increase the minimum age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21. S.B.X2 8 — Would promote tobacco-free policies and education programs at schools. S.B.X2 9 — Would allow for local governments to impose additional taxes on tobacco products. S.B.X2 10 — Would increase the licensing fees for tobacco sellers. A.B.X2 16 — Would raises taxes ...
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