Posted on 06/27/2002 8:10:40 AM PDT by John Jorsett
SACRAMENTO A potentially landmark measure to raise California's legal smoking age to 21 narrowly survived its first public hearing yesterday as a swarm of tobacco lobbyists silently looked on.
The unexpectedly close vote in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee served notice that, despite assurances from industry leader Philip Morris, tobacco companies are likely to put up a fight against the high-profile legislation.
"There was a decision made not to formally oppose the bill, but to work the hell out of it in the shadows," said Assemblyman Paul Koretz, a West Hollywood Democrat who recently introduced the measure, AB 1453.
The bill passed on a 7-1 vote, the bare majority necessary, after Sen. Martha Escutia, D-Los Angeles, reluctantly put up the last vote. Two other Democrats, Sens. Richard Polanco of Los Angeles and John Vasconcellos of Santa Clara, abstained without explanation. Both were considered likely supporters. Two members were absent.
California and 46 other states permit teen-agers to begin buying tobacco products when they turn 18. Only three states have a higher threshold. In Alabama, Alaska and Utah the legal age is 19.
Koretz's measure would exempt those born before 1985, so that it would not affect smokers now 18 and older. He introduced the bill at the behest of the powerful doctors' lobby, the California Medical Association.
Most smokers get hooked in their mid-to late teens and the tobacco industry targets young adults with aggressive marketing, including free samples distributed at bars. About 90 percent of new smokers become addicted before turning 21, according to national studies.
"Eighteen is not a magic number," Erica Tang, an 18-year-old Sacramento college student told the committee. "I know at times I make dumb decisions. Because I'm 18, no one stands in my way. . . . Please stand in my way."
But Denis Hiller, a 17-year-old representing the National Youth Rights Association, argued that those "responsible enough to sign contracts and serve in the armed forces are responsible enough to decide whether to smoke."
The only other official opposition came in a late letter from the California Retailers Association, which did not testify against the bill.
A spokesman for Philip Morris, which accounts for half of all national cigarette sales, said the tobacco giant would take no position on Koretz's legislation. Lobbyists for other tobacco interests, however, were scattered about the hearing room.
"The tobacco industry is saying publicly the states should decide," Koretz said. "Privately, they're doing everything they can to keep people off the bill."
One Republican, Sen. Jim Battin of Palm Desert, joined six other Democrats in support of the bill. Sen. Ray Haynes, R-Riverside, cast the lone opposition vote.
California has one of the nation's most aggressive anti-tobacco campaigns. It has pushed the state's adult smoking rate down to 17.4 percent, second only to Utah. Smoking continues to increase, however, among young adults, 18 to 24.
What a frickin idiot! These types have no concept of rights and responsibility. I wonder if she would ask the government to "stand in her way" if she wanted an abortion.
Plus, the tax coffers of Nevada and Oregon would increase as sales increases. (Maybe not Oregon, no sales tax there.)
What the hell is wrong with these idiots?
1. You can vote at 18
2. You can drive at 18 or younger
3. You can pilot a plane at 18 or younger
4.You can get married at 18 or younger
5. You can join the military and be killed defending your country at 18 or younger
BUT
You can't smoke until your 21
UNBELIEVABLE!!!!
Another perfect example of todays sick society of Liberal Thinking.Boy, does she have a long way to go and she's only 18.That is really sad.
Ah, but the deal with the courts was, the companies can not refuse to sell tobacco until such time as all billions awarded to the states has been paid.......
OK Erica, baby, how about no abortions 'till your're 21 also?
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