Senate Chooses Big Tobacco Over Kids
-- Bill’s Passage Fell Outside of Typical Legislative Process--
COLUMBIA, SC –MAY 3, 2023 – Today, in a 26-16 vote, the Senate passed a bill (HB 3681) that would take away the power of all localities’ ability to pass laws that regulate the sale of tobacco products.
The bill’s advancement to the full floor vote by the Senate came outside of the typical legislative process due to the strong opposition from lawmakers.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in South Carolina has vehemently opposed the measure, warning lawmakers and the public about the dangers of taking away local control.
“We’re extremely disappointed in today’s vote by the legislature caving to special interest groups like Big Tobacco instead of protecting our children and teens while youth tobacco rates continue to grow,” said Beth Johnson, the South Carolina government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “With Big Tobacco spending nearly $200 million marketing their products in our state annually and amid a growing youth tobacco epidemic, we need local laws that protect our kids, not state interference.”
Over a quarter (27.5%) of South Carolina high school students use tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
“Today’s vote will do nothing more than worsen the youth tobacco epidemic by tying the hands of our local elected officials to act,” added Johnson. “South Carolinians have long valued freedom and liberty. Lawmakers today voted outside our state’s strongest values by allowing special interest groups like Big Tobacco and their allies to take away our freedoms and put our family’s pocketbooks and health at risk.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.