California
We were not surprised that this week, Senate Bill 575 in California passed the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee on a 5-2 vote. We commend Senator Mark Wyland and Senator Sharron Runner for voting against the bill. The sponsoring Senator, Mark DeSaulnier actually sits on the committee, as well.
Now, the bill has been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee, which we hope will recognize the adverse economic impact this legislation will have for small businesses across California.
The CRA petition is now being switched to the membership of the California Senate Appropriations Committee, so you can “hit it” again. Help us send a message that this expanded smoking ban is bad for business, and is a direct attack on property rights for cigar enthusiasts in California.
ACTION STEPS: Step 1. Please contact your member of the California Assembly and Senate (California Residents Only) and tell them to SAY NO to Senate Bill 575.
Step 2. Please sign the CRA Petition (ALL CRA MEMBERS).
New York
The proposed $1 tax cap for premium cigars did not make it into the state budget, though we commend the New York Senate for including the language in their version. However, there is still standing legislation that would accomplish the same goal. In the form of AB 1093 and Senate Bill 3410, this legislation is critical to for both the consumer and retail tobacconist community in the State of New York .
Please contact the Governor's Office, and your member of the New York Assembly and Senate with you support for the $1 tax cap in New York!
New York House of Representatives
New York Senate
Texas
The proposed statewide smoking ban in Texas is still alive in the form of House Bill 670 and Senate Bill 355. Please contact your member of the Texas legislature, and voice your opposition to any statewide smoking ban in Texas!
Texas House of Representatives
Texas Senate
Alabama
With the House version of a statewide smoking ban meeting with resistance in the Alabama House Health Committee, the usual sponsor of Senator Vivian Figures, now has fourteen co-patrons who have come together for a Senate version of a statewide smoking ban. In the form of Senate Bill 372, such legislation has traditionally passed the Senate, and been defeated in the House. Please contact your member of the Alabama Senate, and voice your opposition to SB 372!
Alabama House of Representatives
Alabama Senate
Louisiana
Representative Harold Richie, D-Bogalusa, has introduced a slate of tobacco tax increases, including a 10% increase in the tax on cigars. In the form of House Bill 63, Representative Richie is joined by ten members of the House and two members of the Senate. In this economic time, no tax increase is acceptable.
CRA will join the Louisiana Independent Tobacconist's Association, International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association and other industry allies in working for defeat of this legislation.
We fully anticipate a statewide smoking ban bill to be filed in Louisiana , as well. Call your member of the Louisiana legislature – Say NO CIGAR TAXES – NO STATEWIDE SMOKING BAN!
Call the Louisiana House Ways & Means Committee to Voice your Opposition to ANY NEW CIGAR TAXES.
Louisiana House of Representatives
Louisiana Senate
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Jose Oliva, a Founding Sponsor of Cigar Rights of America, has announced his plan to run for the Florida House of Representatives. 
