Feature Article

Since California voters passed Proposition 99 in 1988, increasing the state's tobacco tax and dedicating a portion of the resulting revenue to tobacco prevention, California has been a leader in innovative tobacco control efforts. California was the first state to pass a statewide smoke-free workplace law in 1995, and it has funded an aggressive and successful counter-advertising campaign. The results have been clear. The adult smoking rate in California is now 14 percent, an all-time low and 38 percent lower than in 1988.

California is now considering two new measures aimed at further reducing smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. First, Californians will vote this November on Proposition 86, a ballot measure that would increase the cigarette tax by $2.60 per pack. If passed, California's cigarette tax would be the highest in the nation. A recent poll found that a strong majority of Californians, regardless of political affiliation, support the measure. The cigarette tax increase would provide an estimated $2.1 billion dollars per year, and the revenue would go towards children's health insurance programs and hospital emergency rooms.

Secondly, California lawmakers are considering a measure that would prohibit smoking in automobiles carrying child passengers. A bill introduced in the California General Assembly, AB 379, would subject those who smoke with young children in the car to a $100 fine (with possible added court costs). Arkansas and Louisiana became the first states to pass such measures earlier this year. Supporters of the bill point to the recent U.S. Surgeon General's report, which found that secondhand smoke exposure from parental smoking can lead to respiratory illnesses, childhood asthma, and other ailments.

Since California's efforts are often replicated elsewhere, it will be interesting and instructive to track the progress of these measures. For more information about California's successes in tobacco control, click here.