Other Policy
Research
Removing branding from cigarette packets stubs out their appeal (Scotland)
Research from the University of Sterling suggests that plain cigarette packaging may help reduce cigarette consumption and encourage cessation. Women aged 18 to 35 were given plain cigarette packs for one week and their own fully branded pack for one week. Participants completed a survey twice a week to measure pack perceptions, feelings about smoking, salience, and perceptions of health warnings. Researchers found that women were more embarrassed and have more negative feelings about smoking when using plain cigarette packs, as compared to their fully branded packs. This study provides evidence that plain packaging may be an important tool in future smoking cessation interventions. Australia implemented its plain packaging law in December 2012. New Zealand plans to follow. Click here to read more about this study published in BMJ Open. Click here to read the study abstract.
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Reports
Anti-smoking officials say Indiana funding cuts hurt (IN)
Ball State Global Health Institute recently issued a report titled “Burden of Smoking among Adults in Indiana.” The report highlights state smoking statistics and the financial impact of smoking in Indiana. Indiana currently has the seventh highest smoking prevalence in the United States, and spent $4.7 billion on health and other economic costs as a result of tobacco use in 2010. The report’s release is timely in showing that smoking is still a problem in the state, as Indiana’s legislature recently cut state funding by 38% for programs focused on smoking cessation. Click here to read more. Click here to view the full report.
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State Policy
E-cigarettes at center of legislative debate (CA)
New legislation in California is seeking to classify e-cigarettes as a tobacco product. The bill categorizes e-cigarettes the same as cigarettes, cigars, loose tobacco, snuff and chewing tobacco. It also prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in residential dwellings, school campuses, public buildings, and places of employment. The increasing use of e-cigarettes in homes, public, and workplaces is of particular concern to public health officials as they question the effects on users and the general public. E-cigarettes are increasing in popularity, and more studies are needed to assess their impact on health. Click here to read more. Click here to track SB 648, which has been referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
California moves to protect smokers from higher insurance costs (CA)
California passed legislation to prevent smokers from having to pay higher premiums than non-smokers according to the Affordable Care Act. The federal law contains a stipulation that allows states to charge smokers higher rates for healthcare. Many, including the American Lung Association, believe that this surcharge raises the risk that low-income smokers will find the cost of coverage too high and end up uninsured. Other states such as Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia have made efforts to disallow the higher premiums. Healthcare costs are much higher for smokers compared to non-smokers, and this legislation was created in an effort to encourage people to quit; however, public health groups say that it is important to provide tobacco users with affordable insurance so that they have the support they need to quit smoking. Click here to read more, or click here to see the details of the bills that were signed by the governor.
Doctors support ban on tobacco sales in healthcare institutions (MA)
Doctors across the state of Massachusetts have joined together in support of proposed legislation to ban the sale of tobacco products by healthcare institutions. The bill would prohibit hospitals and clinics from selling tobacco products and prohibits doctors from practicing in locations where tobacco products are sold. The Massachusetts Medical Society presented a testimony to the Joint Committee on Public Health in support of this bill. Click here to read more. Click here to track H. 1966 that has been scheduled for a joint hearing.
New Jersey lawmakers eye raising cigarette-buying age to 21 (NJ)
A newly introduced bill in New Jersey plans to increase the minimum age for purchasing cigarettes from 19 to 21. Similar bills have been proposed in New York City and New York State, and measures have been passed in a couple of cities in Massachusetts. Implementing policies of this type is an effort to reduce smoking among youth by making access to cigarettes more difficult. Click here to read more. Click here to track A 2478, which has been referred to the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee.
Tax writers chasing smokers, even fake ones (SC)
Lawmakers in the South Carolina House have introduced legislation to raise taxes on e-cigarettes in the state. This bill was modeled after similar legislation proposed in Oklahoma, and adds a five cent tax per milliliter of vapor liquid in an e-cigarette. Additionally, a tax of five cents per ounce of “tobacco-derived” products will be added. E-cigarettes contain cartridges that hold a liquid from which vapor is created, and one cartridge of liquid is usually the equivalent of one pack of cigarettes. E-cigarettes are currently taxed at the regular sales tax rate in the state, and this legislation would tax e-cigarettes at the same rate as other tobacco products. Click here to read more. Click here to track H 4074. The bill is being reviewed by the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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