HB228: Reduced cigarette ignition propensity; prohibits manufacture, etc. thereof unless meets standards.

Chief Patron

John Cosgrove (R-78)
Chesapeake, VA
Served: 2002–

Progress

	Introduced
	Passed Committee
	Passed House
	Passed Senate
	Signed by Governor
	Became Law

Status

03/05/2008: signed by governor

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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. Manufacturers are assessed a fee of $250 per brand, the proceeds from which are divided between the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the State Fire Marshal. Violators are subject to civil penalties. The measure will become effective 13 months after its enactment, and will expire on the effective date of any federal reduced cigarette ignition propensity standard that preempts the measure.

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