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