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1994 SESSION

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HB 1009 Restrictions on tobacco use.

Introduced by: Bernard S. Cohen | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY:

Restrictions on tobacco use. Revises the Virginia Clean Indoor Air Act by redefining the terms "recreational facility" and "service line and cashier line"; by broadening the application of the smoke-free requirements; by specifically authorizing the proprietor or owner or other person in charge of various facilities to prohibit or significantly restrict smoking; by requiring law-enforcement officers, etc., to enforce the act; by increasing the fine; by authorizing local governments to exceed the state restrictions; and by repealing certain sections. This provision also seeks to bring the Commonwealth into compliance with the so-called Synar amendment--federal substance abuse grant law--which requires all states to prohibit sale or distribution of tobacco to minors, to enforce the law by demonstrating evidence of decreases in minors' use of tobacco, and to provide random, unannounced inspections of tobacco-selling entities, preventing tobacco sales to minors, and going after violators. Virginia's block grant award, as with every other state, is conditioned upon this compliance, with a possible $25 million consequence. Because there is no single agency or secretariat capable of the federal enforcement requirements, the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources and Public Safety are required to cooperate in this regard.


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