Senators prioritize protecting Michigan youth by passing tobacco prevention legislation Thursday
Bills would require retailers to obtain a license to sell tobacco, repeal penalties on youth
LANSING - The Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance today applauded state Senators for choosing Michigan kids over Big Tobacco by advancing vital public health legislation.
Senate Bills 651 and 652 would require retailers to obtain a license to sell tobacco products in Michigan. The U.S. Surgeon General has found that licensing retailers is an evidence-based tobacco control measure to reduce tobacco use. Requiring a license for tobacco retailers lets the state to know who is selling tobacco products and will allow the states enact and enforce policies that that help to prevent young people from ever starting to use tobacco products.
Senate Bills 653 and 654 would repeal ineffective penalties on youth for purchasing and using tobacco products. Research shows that PUP laws shift blame away from the tobacco industry, punish youth who may be addicted to tobacco, undermine more effective prevention strategies and disproportionately harm youth targeted by the tobacco industry.
After the Senate approved the bills, Alliance leaders issued the following statement:
“We are grateful to Senators for stepping up to protect the health of our youth by approving this important tobacco prevention legislation,” said Jodi Radke, regional director of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and co-chair of the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance. “Creating a tobacco retail license will be instrumental to reducing illegal sales of tobacco and nicotine. It’s time to protect our kids and hold retailers accountable for leading youth into a lifetime of addiction.”
“It is far too easy for young people to get their hands on tobacco and nicotine products that are highly addictive,” said Dr. Brittany Tayler, pediatrician, assistant professor of public health at Michigan State and co-chair of the Alliance. “Today’s vote shows that Michigan Senators are serious about protecting Michigan youth and we hope this legislation advances quickly through the House before session ends.”
The bills now head to the Michigan House for consideration.
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