American Lung Association Comments on the Passage of Alaska Senate Bill 24 - Relating to Tobacco Products

“The American Lung Association appreciates the significant work that went into Senate Bill 24 – legislation aimed at reducing youth use of tobacco products and lessening the impact of tobacco use on the health of all Alaskans. We are grateful for the commitment and leadership of bill sponsor, Senate President Gary Stevens and Representative Sara Hannan who offered the House version of this legislation.

“At the same time, we are greatly disappointed that an amendment was adopted to exempt retail cigar stores from current laws that prohibit smoking in indoor places. This provision undermines the public health goal of protecting workers and the public from the real harms of secondhand smoke exposure. Cigars contain the same addictive, toxic and carcinogenic compounds found in cigarettes and other tobacco products. Regular cigar smoking can increase the risk of cancers in the throat and mouth, including the esophagus, larynx, pharynx, and the oral cavity.

“We support the inclusion of other provisions of SB 24:

• Implementation of a first-time tax on electronic cigarettes at a rate equivalent to cigarettes;
• Clarification and implementation of a tax on synthetic nicotine products and oral nicotine pouches equivalent to other tobacco products;
• Reduction of the current penalty for youth purchase and possession of tobacco products to $100, down from $500;
• Alignment of Alaska law with federal law in raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products to 21;
• Provision of sustained funding for tobacco prevention efforts.

“Public health policy works best when it is applied consistently and equitably. Exemptions for retail cigar stores create harmful inconsistencies that weaken strong public health protections.

“The American Lung Association remains committed to building on the public health progress outlined in Senate Bill 24, while continuing to advocate for comprehensive smokefree protections for everyone.”