Sponsor Statement for SSHB 159

The State of Alaska has a serious problem with underage consumption of tobacco products. Statistics compiled by the Department of Health and Social Services indicate that 21% of Alaska's high school students regularly smoke and that 25% of our middle school students smoked at least one cigarette in the last month. As reported by the February 27, 1997 edition of the Wall Street Journal, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has concluded that approximately one million children each year take up smoking and that, unless they quit, over one-third of them will die from tobacco-related illnesses.

These statistics are cause for great concern. It is estimated that 18,000 of Alaska's children will succumb prematurely to tobacco-related illnesses. This is a tragedy, not only for the individuals, but for our state as a whole. I think that we can do better.

Under existing law, no one under 19 years of age is permitted to possess tobacco. Obviously, large numbers of our children are being accorded illegal access to this product. SSHB 159 would have the salutary effect of limiting that access. This bill requires that merchants, prior to the sale of tobacco, demand proof of age from any prospective patron who appears to be under twenty-seven years of age. SSHB 159 requires all clerks involved in the retail sale of tobacco to sign an acknowledgement that they have been advised of this proof of age requirement. In addition, SSHB 159 increases that penalties for underage sale or possession of tobacco.

Your support is urged.