Chief Patron

Del. Chuck Caputo (D-67)

Chuck Caputo (D-67)
Oak Hill, VA
Served: 2006–

Status

01/09/2008: In Commerce and Labor Committee

View Entire History

Summary

Fire-safe cigarettes; civil penalties. Prohibits the manufacture, sale, or offer for sale of cigarettes unless the cigarettes have been tested to determine that they meet a performance standard for fire safety. The test predicts the likelihood that a cigarette will ignite material with which it comes in contact. Cigarette manufacturers are required to file a certification with the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services that their cigarettes meet the mandated performance standard as measured by the prescribed test. Cigarette packages are required to be marked so that compliant cigarettes may be distinguished from those not certified as compliant. The specific mark is determined by the manufacturer, subject to Commissioner approval. This measure provides that cigarettes compliant with similar New York regulations will be compliant with these requirements and that manufacturers may use the same package markings they use in that state. Violators are subject to civil penalties. The measure will become effective January 1, 2010, and will expire on the effective date of any federal reduced cigarette ignition propensity standard that preempts the measure.