Senate circles tobacco endowment bill and passes Internet-sales restriction for minors

The Utah Senate took several actions on tobacco-related measures during the Feb. 2–3, 2000 floor session. Senators circled Senate Bill 140, a sponsor-led bill to create a tobacco proceeds endowment, and advanced companion measures focused on preventing tobacco access by minors through catalog and Internet sales.

Senator Allen introduced SB140, proposing that 25% of tobacco-settlement proceeds be placed in an endowment dedicated to tobacco-prevention, cessation and related medical costs. Supporters argued an endowment would provide a stable, long-term revenue stream while reserving other settlement proceeds for current needs. “Just 25%,” Allen said, “so that urgent present needs can also be addressed.” Senators noted Standard & Poor’s guidance that states should resist using settlement receipts for recurring operations.

On Senate Bill 141, which targets provision of tobacco to minors through catalog and internet sales, Sen. Allen proposed and the chamber adopted an amendment excluding common carriers and those who unknowingly transport a package. Sen. Spencer successfully moved an amendment to insert the word “knowingly” before “provides” so criminal liability applies where a provider knowingly supplies minors; senators also discussed mechanisms for assessing out-of-state vendors for unpaid tobacco taxes. SB141 passed on a roll call (25 aye, 0 nay, 4 absent).

Senators circled SB15 (a related bill) to be considered with SB140, and several members urged the Senate and House to coordinate a consolidated spending plan for settlement proceeds rather than disperse funds broadly across many projects.

What’s next: SB140 and related items were circled for joint consideration; SB141 was advanced to the third reading calendar and will go to the House for concurrence where appropriate.