To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exempt the premium cigar industry from certain regulations.
Impact
If passed, this resolution would formally categorize premium cigars differently from other tobacco products, thereby exempting them from certain FDA regulations. The bill includes stringent criteria for what constitutes a premium cigar, focusing on aspects like manufacturing processes and the definition of materials used in production. Consequently, this change could diminish the federal government's control over premium cigar regulation, potentially shifting any regulatory oversight to state governments instead.
Summary
HJR99 proposes an amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act aimed at exempting the premium cigar industry from numerous federal regulations typically imposed on tobacco products. The bill emphasizes that premium cigars, defined within the resolution, represent only 1 percent of the total cigar sales in the United States and are primarily produced by family-owned small businesses. The underlying intent is to alleviate regulatory burdens on this niche industry, which supporters argue plays a pivotal role in community support in regions such as Central America.
Conclusion
Overall, HJR99 underscores the ongoing tension between supporting small businesses within the tobacco industry and maintaining public health protections. The bill reflects a broader debate on how best to balance economic interests against the potential risks associated with tobacco consumption, particularly in light of past public health campaigns aimed at reducing smoking rates across various demographics.
Contention
The discussions surrounding HJR99 highlight a significant divide among legislators and public health advocates. Proponents contend that the evidence presented by expert committees, like the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), indicates that premium cigar smoking carries lower health risks compared to other tobacco products, primarily because users are typically occasional smokers and unlikely to inhale deeply. However, critics argue that relaxing regulations on tobacco products could have long-term public health implications, underscoring the need for careful consideration of the bill’s effects on youth and the broader societal message it may send regarding tobacco use.
Temporarily exempts from tobacco tax cigars and smoking tobacco sampled during the Convention of the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers. (8/15/11) (EN -$50,000 GF RV See Note)
Extends the tax exemption period for cigars and pipe tobacco products sampled at the Premium Cigar Association convention (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; provision related to officeholders raising funds when facing a recall; modify, and require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; funds donated to a candidate for recall efforts; require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
A concurrent resolution recognizing wild rice as sacred and central to the culture and health of Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota and critical to the health and identity of all Minnesota citizens and ecosystems and establishing a commitment to passing legislation to protect wild rice and the freshwater resources upon which it depends.