Jan 26
The following bills are currently being tracked by tobacco control advocates in the West Virginia Legislature:
| Bill |
Title |
|
| SB 9 |
Prohibiting sale of tobacco products by pharmacies |
| SB 25 |
Creating Smoke Free WV Act |
| SB 31 |
Increasing penalties for tobacco use by minors |
| SB 33 |
Creating Transition Program for Tobacco Farmers |
|
| SB 70 |
Budget Bill |
| SB 96 |
Relating generally to certain county officials |
|
| SB 98 |
Allowing certain organizations use electronic or mechanical devices to conduct raffles |
|
| HB 2012 |
Budget Bill, making appropriations of public money out of the treasury in accordance with section fifty-one, article six of the Constitution |
| HB 2058 |
Allowing nonprofit organizations to hold up to two charitable Texas hold’em tournaments per year |
| HB 2386 |
Requiring the approval of board of health rules relating to tobacco use in public or private places |
| HB 2516 |
Relating to charitable raffles |
|
| HB 2729 |
Raising the excise tax on cigarettes and all other tobacco products |
|
| HB 2737 |
Providing a procedure for removal of county, district or municipal officers |
You can check the status of any of the bills or download the bill text by visiting the West Virginia Legislature’s website.
Jan 13
For years now, local boards of health in West Virginia have reasonably and responsibly addressed the issue of clean indoor air by establishing local regulations protecting our citizens from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke. These regulations have been effective, implemented after examining the health facts and done when the community was prepared. While there are always a minority of vocal opponents who decry each new regulation, the vast majority of West Virginians enjoy and appreciate being able to work, shop and relax in smoke-free establishments.
Boards of health are unique. As regulatory bodies they combine use of scientific data, local administration of public health policy, inclusion of experts and citizens, and a structure that sets the board one degree apart from the political establishment. This last point is critical - decisions regarding the prevention of disease and protecting the community from serious public health threats are too important to be mired in political battles.
HB 2932, which is carryover bill from the 2009 session, would require smoking regulations by local boards of health to gain approval from county commissions, and in some cases city councils, in order to become effective. This bill is sponsored by Senators Delegates Tim Manchin, Linda Longstreth and Mike Caputo.
The proposed legislation has been referred to the Political Subdivisions Committee and then to the Judiciary Committee.
This bill will politicize every proposed change in local clean indoor air regulations across the state and would severely undermine the foundation of public health policy in West Virginia. Let your legislators know that HB2932 is just as bad idea this year as it was last year.
For contact information on your House of Delegates members visit the West Virginia Legislature website here.
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