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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 17, 2019 03:14 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Fred Keller |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Clean Indoor Act Legislation |
| For the last two legislative sessions, the House Health Committee has considered legislation aimed at closing the numerous loopholes which exist in the Clean Indoor Air Act. Through this process, the committee has heard from countless stakeholders, held informational hearings and examined compromise legislation aimed at seeking resolution to this matter. Over the last year, I have watched closely as the committee has worked with the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network, and Breathe Free Pennsylvania Coalition in crafting an agreed upon bill. Areas where the loopholes were discovered includes addressing cigar bars, cigar lounges, outdoor spaces, and locations where minors frequent – with the understanding their lungs are more susceptible to damage from second hand smoke. Additionally, the legislation will still close the loopholes for casinos, private clubs and drinking establishments. It will also address the explosion of electronic nicotine devices, by including the use of these e-cigarettes within the definition of smoking. Finally, this legislation would still remove the state preemption language, and give all political subdivisions the ability to enact smoke free ordinances that are more protective than state law. With this change, Pennsylvania would join 39 states that do not preempt local governments from adopting more stringent, smoke-free rules than state law. Please consider cosponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB436