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Committee recommends revised cigarette‑testing fee language and gives bill due‑pass recommendation
Summary
Senators discussed an amendment that leaves fee‑setting authority for cigarette ignition testing with the state fire marshal; the committee recorded a due‑pass recommendation on House Bill 1086 after members said that change returned discretion to the fire marshal.
House Bill 1086, concerning cigarette ignition testing and related fees, received committee discussion about fee language and how charges should be set and administered.
Committee members reviewed an amendment that removed a specific per‑brand fee of $2.50 and instead granted the state fire marshal authority to establish and adjust an annual fee. Senator Castle summarized that, as drafted in committee, the bill “leaves it up to the fire marshal to establish the fee.” Committee members noted the fee covers administrative work associated with certification and recertification of cigarette brands and that the fee typically recurs every three years connected to recertification cycles.
Some senators questioned whether removing a fixed figure was appropriate; others said they were comfortable returning discretion to the fire marshal. The committee moved for a due‑pass recommendation on the engrossed bill and recorded a unanimous 5‑0 vote to recommend passage. Senator Klein moved the due‑pass motion and Senator Castle seconded.
Committee discussion also referenced a fiscal threshold in statute requiring funds above a certain cap be deposited to the general fund; members said they had checked how the fee structure interacts with that fiscal rule.
The amended bill will be carried to the floor by Senator Castle.
