2012 Conference Executive Record Report.pdf - YMCA of Greater ...
2012 Conference Executive Record Report.pdf - YMCA of Greater ...
2012 Conference Executive Record Report.pdf - YMCA of Greater ...
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STATE OF NEW YORK<br />
<strong>YMCA</strong> YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT<br />
BILL NUMBER AF - 41<br />
INTRODUCED BY: William Lawrie, Garrison Hughes, Ian Lawrie, Josie Worley<br />
AN ACT<br />
TO: Ban the possession <strong>of</strong> all tobacco products from minors<br />
The People <strong>of</strong> the State <strong>of</strong> New York, represented in the<br />
Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:<br />
Purpose<br />
The purpose <strong>of</strong> this bill is to ban the possession <strong>of</strong> all tobacco products from minors in the State <strong>of</strong> New York.<br />
Summary <strong>of</strong> Provisions<br />
Section 1:<br />
Minor: Any person under the age <strong>of</strong> eighteen.<br />
Tobacco Products: All products and articles made <strong>of</strong>, or containing tobacco such as cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco,<br />
snuff, snus, kreteks, pipe tobacco, dissolvable tobacco (strips or sticks), and all foreign types <strong>of</strong> tobacco products.<br />
Tobacco Education Program: a class/course taught by teachers or staff members <strong>of</strong> an organization qualified in helping<br />
prevent teens from using tor ceasing the use <strong>of</strong> tobacco products<br />
Section 2:<br />
To enforce this law, all police <strong>of</strong>ficers and all other persons able to write a citation can do so if a minor is caught with any<br />
sort <strong>of</strong> tobacco product in their possession. Consequences for the minor are as follows:<br />
First <strong>of</strong>fense: $25 fine<br />
Second <strong>of</strong>fense: $50 fine + 10 hours <strong>of</strong> community service<br />
Third <strong>of</strong>fense: $75 fine + 15 hours <strong>of</strong> community service + mandatory attendance to a tobacco<br />
education program<br />
Any additional <strong>of</strong>fenses will be up to the judge’s discretion. Failure to uphold any <strong>of</strong> the consequences regardless <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>of</strong>fense will result in further punishment brought about by a court hearing.<br />
Justification<br />
Within New York State, about ninety percent <strong>of</strong> all tobacco users start before the age <strong>of</strong> eighteen. Currently, individuals<br />
under eighteen are not allowed to purchase tobacco products, however, they are able to possess them. A number <strong>of</strong> studies<br />
indicate that adolescents are especially vulnerable to the effects <strong>of</strong> tobacco, and may be more likely to develop a more<br />
serious addiction in comparison to adults. By enacting this piece <strong>of</strong> legislation, New York State would not only prevent<br />
these tobacco users from harming themselves, but also those around them, including the environment. Our state, as a<br />
whole, must take small steps toward decreasing the number <strong>of</strong> underage tobacco users to in turn save lives.<br />
Fiscal Implications<br />
Upon the passage <strong>of</strong> this bill, it will generate revenue to villages, towns, and cities across New York State.<br />
Effective Date<br />
Once passed, this bill will go into effect January 1, 2013.