Sponsor Statement for HB 136: Municipal Regulation of Smoking

Portrait of Representative Kevin Meyer, 111 K.

Session:
State Capitol, Room 110
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-4945
Toll Free: (866) 465-4945
Fax: (907) 465-3476

Interim:
716 W 4th Avenue, Suite 320
Anchorage, AK 99501-2133
Phone: (907) 269-0199
Fax: (907) 269-0197

An Act relating to municipal regulation of smoking in certain places.

Last Updated:	February 26, 2001
Contact:	Nancy Manly, Aide to Representative Kevin Meyer, at (907) 465-6887

House Bill 136 would add an additional section to AS.18.35, regarding “local government regulation of smoking in public places and workplaces.” The purpose of this bill is to make clear the intent of the Alaska State Legislature that it does not restrict local governments from enacting stricter laws regulating smoking in public buildings and workplaces in their communities.

Local governments in Alaska are in a unique position to respond to and enforce their communities’ requests for greater regulation of smoking. The proposed legislation recognizes the rights of citizens to petition their local government leaders for more restrictive measures regarding smoking. The Municipality of Anchorage has recently responded to its citizens’ requests for local regulation of smoking in public buildings and workplaces, and experienced a successful implementation of its “Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places” ordinance.

Numerous studies have confirmed that smoking tobacco products is a major contributor to indoor air pollution, and that breathing second-hand smoke is a cause of numerous diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory infection, etc., even in non-smokers. Children, elderly, individuals with cardiovascular disease, and individuals with impaired respiratory functions, are at special risk. More restrictive measures that can be developed and enforced at a local level are needed regarding smoking, particularly in the workplace and in the access area around public buildings, in order to protect public health.

It is in the public interest and the best interest of the State to protect the public health and welfare of the citizens of Alaska, by clarifying that local governments may enact and enforce stricter regulation of smoking than currently prescribed in AS 18.35.

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