Wisconsin Senate Passes Assembly Bill 93 to Curb Youth Access to Tobacco Products

In response to the Senate passage yesterday of AB 93, which makes it illegal for adults to purchase non-cigarette tobacco products for minors, the American Cancer Society, SmokeFree Wisconsin, American Heart Association and the American Lung Association issued the following joint statement:

“We would like to thank Representative Garey Bies (R-Sister Bay), author of AB 93, and the state Senate for taking action to reduce youth access to all tobacco products."

“Research shows 80 percent of adult smokers become addicted before the age of 18, and youth who use smokeless tobacco are also more likely to become cigarette smokers later in life. By working to curb youth tobacco use – still the number one cause of preventable death in Wisconsin – our state can save lives and money. This bill is a step in that direction. We urge the Governor to move quickly to sign this common sense, public health measure into law."

“Making it illegal for adults to purchase any tobacco products for minors is an important first step toward combatting the growing threat of smokeless and spitless tobacco products marketed to youth. Some of these evolving products come in flavors like chocolate, wild cherry, sour apple and watermelon; a sure sign the tobacco industry is targeting youth."

“We look forward to working with lawmakers, including Representative Bies, to further reduce youth access to tobacco products and to prevent kids from a lifetime of tobacco addiction.”

The Assembly passed AB 93 in October 2011. AB 93 now heads to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.