Michigan Counties May Have Enhanced Authority Over Tobacco Sales Enforcement

According to a report from Michigan News on May 7th, there is a pending bill that could empower counties to strengthen enforcement of tobacco products sold within their borders. According to the Michigan Public Health Association, the provisions of this bill would make tobacco retailers face stricter regulations. This legislation not only prohibits the sale of any flavored tobacco products for the first time, requires tobacco retailers to obtain licenses, and taxes e-cigarettes and vaping devices containing nicotine, but also eliminates ineffective penalties for youth possession of tobacco products.

Protecting young people and prioritizing their health is the key focus of the Keep MI Kids Tobacco-Free Alliance in Michigan. The alliance is dedicated to educating young people and implementing common sense policies to ensure their health and safety, rather than deterring them through punishment.

Democratic Senator Sue Shink is one of the sponsors of the bill, and she stated that this legislation is part of a larger plan aimed at addressing the crisis of young people becoming addicted to flavored e-cigarettes. In Michigan, the rate of youth e-cigarette use is approximately 50% higher than the national average.

Parents are concerned about the harmful impact of e-cigarettes on their children, including serious addiction and the potential consequences of being expelled from school. If residents of a certain area wish to implement stricter measures than those enforced by the state government, they have the right to do so, said Shank, adding that they are working hard to address this issue.

In 2022, California implemented a statewide policy banning the sale of flavored tobacco. According to data from the University of California, Irvine's public health program, if local councils were to implement their own sales bans, the use of flavored tobacco among residents in those areas would decrease by 30% compared to areas without such bans.

Behind this proposal stands the Michigan Municipal League, which also supports the bill. They represent various cities and towns.

The association's state and federal affairs liaison, Dave Hodgkins, stated that local government control is crucial because it can ensure that all residents' needs, interests, and safety are balanced in their respective areas.

According to data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, e-cigarettes are a serious nationwide issue. As of 2020, there have been 2807 cases of hospitalizations due to lung injuries caused by the use of e-cigarettes or vaping devices, resulting in 68 deaths. As of May 2021, there have been 83 cases of severe lung illnesses related to e-cigarette use, with 3 deaths reported in the state.