2009 Session was Victorious in Arkansas
The regular session of the 87th General Assembly of Arkansas came to a close on Thursday (April 9, 2009) and in my opinion – from an ACS perspective – it started out with a bang (Gov. Beebe’s speech announcing his request/support for a cigarette tax increase) and ended on a most victorious note. (The bill signing ceremony of our colorectal cancer legislation on the last day of session)
Looking at this session even from somewhat of a pessimistic perspective, I would have to grade this session a solid “A” for ACS. We played a lot of offense this session (which is a lot more fun but just as demanding and draining) and of course, some defense. In the end, we had a ton of wins and from what I can tell no noticeable losses. Here’s why I am giving this session such a high grade:
Act 75 (HB1031) – This law requires health benefit plans in the state to provide prostate cancer screening for men forty (40) years of age and over.
Act 180 (HB1204) Raise the state sales tax on cigarettes by .56 cents and the sales tax on cigars & smokeless tobacco products;
Act 270 (HB1363) – Arkansas once again has a viable and flexible off-label drug bill;
Act 697 (HB 1402) – Arkansas now requires the selling of Reduced Ignition Propensity or (RIP) Cigarettes;
Act 758 (HB1858) – Gave more powers, law enforcement tools to the Arkansas Tobacco Control to deal w/ cigarette companies & vendors in the state, plus strong fines/penalties to those who supply tobacco products to minors;
Act 939 (HB1913) – Gave law enforcement more authority, power, tools and penalties to deal w/ black market / bootleg sellers of cigarettes.
Act 707 (HB1920) – Puts “reasonable” restrictions on underage consumers who can use tanning facilities;
Act 734 (HB 2007) – Makes all institutions of higher learning in the state that receive state-funding smoke-free as of Aug. 1, 2010. This is a fantastic step toward making Arkansas 100% comprehensive clean-air.
Act 1265 & 1374 (SB 730 & SB 947) Appropriation Bill for and The Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment Act of 2009;
By the way, we protected the MSA money the state gets from a legislative attack. Sometimes it’s NOT what you get done that makes a session successful; but, from what you keep from happening.
Please allow me to offer my “thanks” to all of you for your support and help this session. "OUR" wins would not have happen w/out you, period.
Jason L. Brady, Government Relations Director, Arkansas
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