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Sen. Archuleta proposes signage at tobacco sales to boost lung cancer screening awareness
Summary
Sen. Archuleta told the Senate Health Committee that SB 11 24 would require the California Department of Public Health to create signage on lung cancer–screening eligibility at tobacco point-of-sale locations; student and clinician witnesses said low public awareness and cost barriers keep eligible Californians from screening.
Sen. Archuleta, the bill author, told the Senate Committee on Health that SB 11 24 would require the California Department of Public Health to develop and distribute signage describing lung cancer screening eligibility and to require that the signage be displayed at tobacco product point-of-sale locations. He said the bill’s penalty was reduced from $1,000 to $500 in response to committee concerns.
Student and clinical witnesses described a significant awareness gap. "Many people have never heard of lung cancer screening," said Cece Zai, a UC Davis student and member of the American Lung Cancer Screening Initiative, who testified in support. Dr. Alex Zhu, a general surgery resident who helps lead a clinical trial on screening, told the committee that screening rates in California are far below national benchmarks and that low awareness is a primary barrier.
Trade groups representing retailers and convenience stores urged practical implementation changes. Jack Yanes of the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance said his members appreciate the fine reduction but raised logistical concerns about sign size for small stores and asked that the California Department of Public Health provide signage and a notice period so retailers have time to comply. Leticia Garcia of the California Retailers Association voiced a similar "concerns" position and said retailers are working with the author’s office.
Chair Weber Pearson acknowledged the outreach and said the committee would work with stakeholders on sign size and implementation details. Archuleta said the bill is intended to be informational rather than punitive: "We’re not trying to be punitive. We just want to be informative," he said, urging the committee for an aye vote when quorum is reached.
The committee did not take a final recorded vote during the hearing; the chair said the item would be placed on call and returned for a formal motion and vote once a quorum was established.
