Tobacco Industry Fighting CA’s Anti-Smoking Legislation

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — California lawmakers have passed several tobacco-related measures in recent weeks, including those which would raise the purchasing age to 21, allow cities and counties to impose local tobacco taxes, in addition to regulating e-cigarettes as though they’re traditional tobacco productions.

The tobacco industry is wasting no time, threatening to hit the street with a referendum to repeal the laws, and paying $10 per signature.

However, that can’t be done unless the bills are signed by the governor.

The bills have yet to reach his desk, leading to speculation, according to the Sac Bee, that the legislature is manipulating the process, by holding them.

Governor Brown hasn’t decided whether he will sign or veto the measures, once they do make it to his desk.