NEWS RELEASE: Michigan Senators prioritize kids and tobacco prevention with approval of common-sense bills
Legislation would repeal ineffective penalties that punish kids, instead of retailers, for purchasing tobacco products
LANSING – Michigan senators chose kids over the tobacco industry today by voting to repeal ineffective penalties that punish young people instead of holding retailers accountable for illegally selling tobacco products.
The Senate Wednesday passed Senate Bills 463 and 466, sponsored by Sens. Paul Wojno and Mary Cavanagh, that would repeal purchase, use and possession (PUP) penalties. PUP penalties place the responsibility for underage tobacco use on youth instead of retailers who illegally sell them the products. These penalties can also discourage cessation, as young people may hide their use for fear of punishment.
The Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance applauded the action, which goes hand-in-hand with bipartisan legislation approved by the Senate in December (Senate Bills 462 and 465, sponsored by Sens. Sam Singh and Joe Bellino) to create a tobacco retail license system aligning tobacco with alcohol and marijuana and providing a critical tool to prevent sales to minors.
“Repealing ineffective PUP penalties that hinder future opportunities for Michigan kids and instead holding retailers accountable is smart policy,” said Jodi Radke, regional director of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and chair of the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance. “Combining this action with the effort requiring tobacco retailers to obtain a state-issued license would be a great win for kids’ health and tobacco prevention in Michigan. We are grateful to our Senate sponsors and urge the House to advance these bills without delay.”
Similar bills that would establish a retail licensure program a d repeal PUP penalties were introduced in the House by a bipartisan team of sponsors. A House committee took testimony on these bills last month. Similar legislation passed both chambers last session but did not reach the governor’s desk.
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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