Advocates Applaud House Introduction of Bipartisan Tobacco Prevention Legislation to Protect Michigan Kids

Bills would require licenses for tobacco retailers to help keep dangerous tobacco and nicotine products out of the hands of kids

LANSING - The Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance applauded Michigan Representatives for introducing bipartisan bills Tuesday to protect youth from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine addiction.

House Bills 5368-5370, sponsored by State Reps. Brad Slagh (R-Zeeland) and Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy), would require tobacco retailers to be licensed, just like alcohol and marijuana retailers, enabling the state to stop sales of tobacco and nicotine products to Michigan’s kids. House Bills 5371 and 5372, sponsored by State Reps. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit) and Helena Scott (D-Detroit), would repeal ineffective penalties that punish kids for possession of tobacco products and, instead, hold companies accountable that profit from tobacco sales.

“This legislation prioritizes the health of our kids by updating Michigan’s severely outdated tobacco prevention regulations,” said Jodi Radke, regional advocacy director for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and chair of the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance. “Michigan is one of only nine states where tobacco products can be sold without a license and introduction of these bills sends a clear message that retailers, not our kids, need to be held accountable.”

Radke continued: “We applaud State Reps. Slagh, Wortz, Young and Scott for their leadership and focus to protect our kids from the dangers of tobacco. We hope to see this important legislation advance swiftly.”

The bills were referred to the House Committee on Regulatory Reform.

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 at KeepMIKidsTobaccoFree.com.

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