The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association, American Heart Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and other supporters voiced opposition today to House Bill (HB) 169, which would strip local governments’ ability to regulate tobacco products and e-cigarettes, overturn existing ordinances, and block future opportunities to protect Florida’s children from harmful tobacco products.
“This bill is another attempt by Big Tobacco to weaken protections we all seek to keep electronic smoking devices and tobacco out of the hands of our kids,” said Brenda Olsen, Chief Operating Officer for the American Lung Association in Florida. “This type of preemption of local governments is a well- known tactic of the tobacco industry and we urge members of the House to stand up against these smoke and mirror tactics.”
Originally, the intent of HB 169 was to prohibit the sale of nicotine products and nicotine dispensing devices (e-cigarettes) to minors. However, added amendment language would strip local governments of their ability to regulate all tobacco products and e-cigarettes, overturn existing ordinances, and block future opportunities to protect kids in the retail environment. For example, many of the product placement ordinances we currently have in Florida go beyond the minimum standards set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), requiring that ALL tobacco products are placed behind the counter at retail stores, not just cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. With the preemption language, the bill now does more harm than good in the fight to keep Florida’s children tobacco-free.
State laws should serve as a minimum standard for a policy objective while allowing communities to enact stronger ordinances to protect their youth and residents in the most appropriate manner, said a statement from the group.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association, American Heart Association and Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids stand in opposition to HB 169.
