Amendments Made to SB 575 in California:
Cigar Shops and Private Clubs Obtain Critical Exemptions to Smoking Ban Expansion
 
By Glynn Loope, Executive Director
Cigar Rights of America

After a diligent effort by retail tobacconists, manufacturers, and consumers alike, Senate Bill 575 which attempts to close all existing exemptions to current California smoking laws, has been amended, and was subsequently passed by the California Senate yesterday.

Under the new version, retail and wholesale tobacconists, along with private clubs, will still be allowed to be bastions of freedom in California. With a sound and unified lobbying front with the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association and Cigar Association of America, Cigar Rights of America distributed over 2,300 petitions to the 40 member Senate, amounting to over 92,000 contact impressions.

Following placement of the amendments, the legislation passed the Senate on a 25-14 vote. CRA will be distributing the voting record of each member. Now, it is off to the Assembly where we will work to broaden our coalition in opposition to the legislation, and strive for its outright defeat. This is a critical moment for every cigar enthusiast in California , and whereas that state sets a national standard on such issues, that makes this a national issue for Cigar Nation. Next week, CRA will be shifting its petition and efforts to the California Assembly. We'll need your help until SB 575 is defeated for the year. Let's send a message.

Spotlight





 
 
Progress on other Fronts:
 
It was an exciting week for cigar politics in America.

This week, the Louisiana Senate defeated an attempt to pass a statewide smoking ban. On a 22-15 vote, the Senate opted to protect economic progress and small business, instead of succumbing to nanny state. Cigar Rights of America's membership in Louisiana stood with the Louisiana Independent Tobacconist's Association, International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association and the Louisiana Association of Beverage Control Licensees. We also thank the support of the gaming industry for their partnership in defeat of this legislation.

Yesterday, the New York Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations passed the needed legislation to initiate a $1 tax cap on premium cigars for the retail and consumer cigar community in New York . Senate Bill 3410 now advances to the Senate Finance Committee, keeping in mind the tax cap already was placed in the Senate version of the budget. Simultaneously, AB 1093 as the Assembly version of the cigar tax cap is working its way through that Chamber in an effort to have both of these bill considered before a planned late June adjournment of the New York legislature.

A matter of days ago, the Nevada House Ways & Means Committee advanced legislation that would again allow for smoking in bars and taverns that do not have gaming. With an outstanding effort by the Nevada Tavern Owners Association, members of the Nevada House (and we hope Senate) are standing with small business and economic stability by moving this legislation forward.

To cap it off, we had previously announced defeat of the proposed statewide smoking ban in Texas. Thanks to the Texas Senate for not jeopardizing the budget, where the smoking ban was clandestinely placed, and removing the smoking ban provisions placed by the House of Representatives.

Coming next week, more members of Congress sign onto H.R. 1639, working to protect premium/traditional cigars from regulation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration!

Ask your member of Congress: “Have you signed onto H.R. 1639?”

Important Updates By State
 
Click Here For Legislative Updates By State

Stay Informed On The Proposed Regulation of Cigars By The FDA
 

H.R. 1639 – ‘Telling FDA to Back Off of Cigars' Picks up New Sponsors

We are pleased to report that the filed federal legislation that would exempt premium/traditional cigars from regulations created by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has picked up new sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives.

They include: Mike Pompeo of Kansas ; David Rivera of Florida; Tim Walberg of Michigan ; and Rob Whitman of Virginia.

They join Representatives: Sandy Adams of Florida ; Ken Calvert of California ; Kathy Castor of Florida; Tom Cole of Oklahoma ; John Kline of Minnesota ; Candice Miller of Michigan ; Ron Paul of Texas ; Hal Rogers of Kentucky ; and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida.

We commend the leadership of Representative Bill Posey of Florida for serving as chief patron of this unique and proactive legislation.

Please sign the CRA petition supporting this legislation!

Next week, we'll talk about what the opposition is saying, in their attempt to stop this legislation...

Click the links below to read past CRA release about the FDA:

CRA News Release, Part 1
CRA News Release, Part 2
CRA News Release, Part 3
 

Support Your Local Great American Cigar Shops™
 

 
CRA Needs Your Help!

In order to be successful in our fight to enjoy cigars without the threat of smoking bans and high taxation, CRA needs your help. Please consider partnering with CRA through two important methods:

Membership
There is strength in numbers! The more members CRA has, the greater voice we have at all levels of legislature. Please help CRA by asking your fellow cigar enthusiasts to join CRA today! Membership starts as low as $35/year.

Donate
Our fight around the country is very expensive. We would like to ask all CRA members and cigar enthusiasts to consider making a donation to CRA in any amount you choose.
 
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