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Other Policy
Reports
Report: Policy tool for minimizing public health and environmental effects of cigarette waste
The Tobacco Control Legal Consortium and the Cigarette Butt Pollution Project created a guidance document for government and organizations aiming to reduce public health and environmental effects of cigarette waste. The report covers policy benefits, policy options, mitigation feeds, deposit and refund programs, biodegradable filters or unfiltered cigarettes, product stewardship, filter recycling, and smoke-free laws. To view the report, click here, or visit the Public Health Law Center website here.
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State Policy
California Senate votes to regulate e-cigarettes (CA)
The California Senate passed a bill this month subjecting electronic cigarettes to the same regulations as regular cigarettes. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ellen Corbett, D-San Leandro, would restrict electronic cigarette use in public buildings, near playgrounds, inside restaurants, and on airplanes. The law will also place restrictions on advertisements for electronic cigarettes. The measure passed on a 21-10 vote. Proponents of the bill say it will promote more consistent regulation by placing electronic cigarettes in the same class as tobacco products. Click here to read more or click here to track SB 648, which has been referred to the State Assembly’s Committee on Governmental Organization.
Illinois Senate approves electronic cigarette ban for minors (IL)
Members of the Illinois Senate unanimously approved a bill that would prohibit minors from purchasing e-cigarettes in Illinois. The bill, sponsored by Sen. John Mulroe, D-Chicago, amends the state law on tobacco product sales to also ban the sale of any alternative nicotine product to minors. The bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives as well. Click here to read more. Click here to track HB 2250.
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National Policy
Employers get leeway on health incentives
A final rule was recently issued by the Obama administration that allows employers to financially reward or penalize employees based on their ability to meet health standards. Under the new ruling, these outcome-based wellness programs can provide financial rewards or penalties worth up to 50% of their insurance premium as an incentive for healthy behavior, such as not using tobacco. However, an employer-sponsored health plan must provide “a reasonable alternative standard” so that employees can qualify for rewards or avoid surcharges if they fail to meet the initial standard. The rule will apply to group health insurance coverage starting on or after January 1, 2014. Click here to read more about the ruling issued on May 29, 2013.
Fact sheet: Impact of sequestration and other budget changes on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a fact sheet detailing how the recent sequestration and budget changes will impact programs, projects and activities. The fact sheet details some of the direct impacts of what amounts to a $580 million cut in program level dollars from FY 2012 to FY 2013. The fact sheet addresses effects on chronic disease prevention programs, existing grants, and on state and local health departments. To view the fact sheet, click here.
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International
UK to start regulating e-cigarettes as medicines (United Kingdom)
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency announced that Britain will regulate electronic cigarettes and other products containing nicotine as medicine. Licensing for electronic cigarettes and other nicotine products will begin in 2016 in the United Kingdom to ensure that the products comply with medicinal standards. The United Kingdom will not ban electronic cigarettes entirely before 2016, and cigarettes are exempt from the regulation. Smoking is the biggest cause of preventable death in England, killing about 80,000 people every year. To read more about the announcement, click here.
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