2015 -- S 0482

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LC001338

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CHILDREN

     

     Introduced By: Senators Ruggerio, Miller, Goodwin, DaPonte, and Pichardo

     Date Introduced: February 26, 2015

     Referred To: Senate Health & Human Services

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 11-9-13.8.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 11-9 entitled

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"Children" is hereby amended to read as follows:

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     11-9-13.8.1. Signs concerning the health effects of tobacco. -- Signs provided by the

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department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, or an exact

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duplicate of it made privately, shall:

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      (1) Contain red bold lettering a minimum of one-quarters of an inch (1/4") high on a

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white background the following wording, in both English and Spanish: WARNING: SMOKING

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CIGARETTES AND ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES CONTRIBUTES TO LUNG DISEASE,

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CANCER, HEART DISEASE, STROKE AND RESPIRATORY ILLNESS AND DURING

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PREGNANCY MAY RESULT IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AND PREMATURE BIRTH.

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      (2) The signs shall also include information regarding the health impact of electronic

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nicotine-delivery systems and resources available to Rhode Island residents who would like to

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quit smoking, and stop using electronic nicotine-delivery systems.

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      (3) The signs shall be displayed prominently for public view wherever tobacco products

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are sold at each cash register, each tobacco vending machine, or any other place from which

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tobacco products are sold. The signs shall be electronically available in both English and Spanish

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online at the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals'

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website.

 

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- CHILDREN

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     This act would require that warning signs about the adverse effects of cigarettes be

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amended to include a warning about electronic cigarettes and would include information about

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how to cease using electronic nicotine-delivery systems.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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