State representatives prioritize Michigan kids with introduction of tobacco prevention legislation
Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance applauds lawmakers, focus on protecting youth
LANSING – The Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance is applauding state representatives for introducing legislation Wednesday that would protect kids from the dangers of tobacco in Michigan.
The bills would greatly strengthen Michigan’s tobacco prevention laws by:
Requiring tobacco retailers to be licensed, just like liquor retailers, so the state can enforce laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco to minors. (HBs 6002 and 6003, sponsored by state Reps. Kristian Grant and Abraham Aiyash respectively)
Allowing local counties and cities to enact tougher restrictions on tobacco sales within their own community. (HB 6022, Rep. Helena Scott)
Repealing ineffective penalties that punish kids for tobacco purchase, use and possession. (HBs 6004 and 6005, Rep. Stephanie Young)
“Michigan has been far behind in efforts to protect our youth from the dangers of tobacco for far too long and these bills will help reverse that trend,” said Dr. Brittany Tayler, internist and pediatrician at Hurley Medical Center, assistant professor at the Pediatric Public Health Initiative at Michigan State University and co-chair of Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance. “These tobacco prevention policies prioritize the health of our youth and we look forward to working with the Legislature to make these policies law.”
Polling conducted earlier this year by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids showed that Michigan voters strongly support (67%) a comprehensive bill package to reduce tobacco use among kids. By a 2 to 1 margin (65% to 29%), Michigan voters believe protecting another generation of children from addiction to flavored tobacco is more important than protecting adults’ rights to purchase flavored tobacco. Full poll details are available here.
“We appreciate the commitment and focus on the health of Michigan youth by Reps. Young, Scott and Grant in sponsoring this critical tobacco prevention legislation,” said Jodi Radke, regional advocacy director for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and co-chair of the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance. “It’s time for bold action to stop the tobacco industry from targeting our kids in order to reverse the e-cigarette crisis and protect youth from a lifetime of addiction.”
The bills were refereed to the House Committee on Families, Children and Seniors. The legislation mirrors Senate Bills 647-654 introduced in November 2023 in the Michigan Senate that are currently awaiting consideration in the Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee.
About the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance
The Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance is a coalition of more than 120 public health, community organizations, school groups and other community groups advocating for stronger tobacco policy and prevention in Michigan. Learn more about the Alliance at KeepMIKidsTobaccoFree.com.
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