New York City and State officials frequently introduce policies and legislation to help protect New Yorkers from secondhand smoke and to help New Yorkers quit smoking. See below a list of some of the proposed legislation currently pending in New York City and New York State.
Pending New York City Legislation
A proposed bill that would make New York City the first major city or state in the United States to have a minimum purchase age of 21 for tobacco products.
At the request of Mayor Bloomberg, Manhattan Council Member and Chair of the Health Committee Maria del Carmen Arroyo introduced legislation known as "Sensible Tobacco Enforcement Policies" (STEP) that will combat illegal cigarette smuggling. The bill would increase penalities for retailers who evade tobacco taxes or sell tobacco without a license; prohibit retailers from redeeming coupons or honoring other price discounts for tobacco products; create a minimum price for cigarettes and little cigars, which are virtually identical, at $10.50 per pack; require that cheap cigars and cigarillos be sold in packages of at least four, and little cigars be sold in packages of at least 20. Cigars that cost more than $3 each are exempt from the packaging rule.
At the request of Mayor Bloomberg, Manhattan Council Member and Chair of the Health Committee Maria del Carmen Arroyo introduced legislation that would require stores to keep tobacco products out of sight, except during a purchase by an adult consumer or during restocking.
At the request of Mayor Bloomberg, Brooklyn Council Member and Chair of the Housing Committee Erik Martin Dilan introduced legislation that would require owners of buildings with three or more units to develop and disclose an official policy regarding smoking on the property including in apartment units.
Pending New York State Legislation
A622-2013
A proposal that would prohibit smoking in private passenger vehicles where a child under the age of fourteen is present. Sponsored by Assembly Member Weprin and State Senator Stavisky, both Queens Democrats.
S4863-2013
Following the lead of Intro 0250 in the New York City Council, this proposal sponsored by State Senator Diane Savino (D-Staten Island) and Assembly Member Rosenthal (D-Manhattan) would make the minimum purchase age for tobacco products 21 statewide in New York.
A0095-2013
Requires owners of multiple dwelling properties--in buildings with more than three units---in New York State to implement and distribute smoking policies to current and prospective tenants and incorporate the policy into all leases and contracts for sale. Building owners not in compliance will receive a warning and thirty day grace period, after which they may be subject to a $500 fine.
For a complete list of tobacco control-related legislation that has been introduced in the New York State Senate, visit the State Senate's website.
