Legislature(2007 - 2008)HOUSE FINANCE 519
05/10/2007 08:30 AM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB125 | |
| SB84 |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 22 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 125 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | SB 84 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 84(JUD)
"An Act relating to the testing and packaging of
cigarettes to be sold, offered for sale, or possessed
in this state; and providing for an effective date."
SENATOR DONNY OLSON, sponsor, explained that a fire in a
small village is very devastating. He related a personal
story about a fire in Nome to explain why he sponsored SB
84. SB 84 mandates that only self-extinguishing cigarettes
can be sold in Alaska.
DENISE LICCIOLI, STAFF, SENATOR DONNY OLSON, related that
the bill provides that only self-extinguishing cigarettes
can be sold in the state. It also establishes testing and
certification requirements. These cigarettes are designed
to be less likely to ignite soft furnishings. The bill also
requires cigarette packaging to be marked, identifying them
as self-extinguishing.
Ms. Liccioli continued to say that cigarettes are the
leading cause of home fire fatalities in Alaska and in the
United States. The most common materials first ignited are
mattresses and bedding, upholstered furniture and floor
coverings. She shared a story about a recent fire in
Juneau.
9:15:04 AM
Ms. Liccioli reported statistics relevant to the danger of
cigarettes. She pointed to a handout (copy on file) which
demonstrates the self-extinguishing property. She shared
statistics about legislation in ten other states regarding
this issue. SB 84 is supported by the Association of Alaska
Fire Chiefs Association, the Alaska Firefighters
Association, and the Department of Public Safety, Division
of Fire Protection. She reported that during the first six
months since New York has had this law, there has been a
significant reduction in the number of cigarette-related
fires. SB 84 will save lives, as well as reduce injuries
and damage to property in Alaska. It will have a positive
impact because it allows a fee to be charged which would
more than cover the expense of the program.
9:18:32 AM
Co-Chair Meyer asked if fees or receipts could be used for
the program. Ms. Liccioli said that is the intent. The
fiscal notes for the Departments of Revenue and Public
Safety need to be revised to show that.
Vice Chair Stoltze asked if this bill would regulate the
sale of papers for rolled cigarettes. Ms. Liccioli said it
would not. Vice Chair Stoltze asked if the paper is the
self-extinguishing substance. Ms. Liccioli replied that
there are several ways that this could be accomplished.
"Speed bumps" are built into the cigarettes themselves. In
response to a question by Vice-Chair Stoltz, she reported no
loss of tax revenue due to decreased smoking. Vice Chair
Stoltze stated support for the bill.
9:22:08 AM
Co-Chair Meyer asked if the cigarettes cost more. Ms.
Liccioli said there is no additional cost. Co-Chair Meyer
asked if there is a difference in the taste. Ms. Liccioli
reported that studies show no difference in taste or health
impact. Co-Chair Meyer asked if the cigarette would burn
out at rest. Ms. Liccioli explained how the speed bumps in
the cigarettes work.
Representative Gara noted that the American Lung Association
supports the bill.
Representative Crawford asked about an additive in the paper
that would make a cigarette burn continuously. He asked how
long it would continue to burn between speed bumps. Ms.
Liccioli thought the additive was in the tobacco, not the
paper. Soon after the speed bump, the filter is reached.
9:26:22 AM
In response to a question by Representative Joule, Ms.
Liccioli referred to the transitional section, which states
the affective date when the old cigarettes would need to be
out of the stock.
Representative Hawker observed that "reverse ignition
propensity" is very appropriate. Ms. Liccioli corrected
"reduced ignition propensity" is appropriate.
Representative Hawker said RIP is appropriate.
In response to a question by Co-Chair Meyer, Ms. Liccioli
reported that the tobacco industry is in support of the
legislation. The industry's wish is that all states have
similar legislation.
9:29:54 AM
STEVE BELANGER, STATE FIRE MARSHALL, ANCHORAGE, stated
support for SB 84. He related statistics caused by
cigarette fires.
DOUG SCHRAGE, ANCHORAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT, spoke in support of
SB 84.
9:32:57 AM
JACK SMITH, BARROW FIRE DEPARTMENT, testified in support of
SB 84. He related personal experience with fires caused by
cigarettes.
WARREN CUMMINGS, ALASKA FIRE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION, FAIRBANKS,
testified in support of the bill.
9:35:53 AM
Co-Chair Meyer turned to the fiscal notes. Ms. Liccioli
noted a change to fiscal note #3, which would move money out
of the general fund. The money would come from receipt
supported services instead.
9:36:36 AM
At-ease.
9:38:50 AM
Ms. Liccioli clarified the change in fiscal note #3. The
fiscal note by the Department of Revenue, which is where the
expenditures are, should come from receipt supported
services, which is the revenue that is shown in the fiscal
note by the Department of Public Safety.
EMILY NENON, AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, testified that there
does not seem to be evidence that the new cigarettes would
have a negative affect on a person's health.
CSSB 84 (JUD) was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
9:42:00 AM
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