CONTACT: Diane Maple, 202/785-3355
New Lung Association Guide Provides Details On State Tobacco Laws Enacted in 1997
1997 was historic for tobacco control. State lawsuits and the proposed national deal with the tobacco industry focused unprecedented attention on tobacco. Under this spotlight, a substantial number of states adopted strong tobacco-control legislation. 1997 State Legislated Actions on Tobacco Issues (SLATI), the only up-to-date, comprehensive guide to state tobacco-control laws enacted in 1997, has been compiled by the American Lung Association. The 216-page 1997 SLATI includes: state-by-state information, tables, maps and matrixes on tobacco-control laws plus a quick-read two-page guide to state tobacco laws. Highlights addressed in 1997 SLATI include:
Nine states increased their tobacco excise tax. Alaska led the way by raising the tax to $1 per pack, a 71-cent increase.
Nineteen states passed youth access legislation.
Texas and Minnesota joined Massachusetts in requiring tobacco companies to disclose ingredients in their cigarettes.
Massachusetts became the first state to require public pension funds to be divested of any stocks, securities or other obligations that derive more than 15 percent of their revenue from the sale of tobacco products.
California successfully defeated numerous attempts to delay its ban on smoking in bars, taverns and gaming clubs. The ban went into effect on January 1, 1998. California is the first state in the nation to enact this type of comprehensive clean indoor air legislation.
Despite tobacco industry efforts to preempt local control activities, seven states successfully defeated preemption bills. The only loss was in Indiana, where the legislature overrode a gubernatorial veto to enact youth access preemption. In a huge victory, Maine became the first state to repeal preemption!
1997 SLATI also is available to the general public at $65 per copy by calling Ruperto Johnson at 212/315-8821. The Nonprofit rate is $30.00.
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