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Minutes for HB2269 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Amending the Kansas cigarette and tobacco products act to raise the minimum age to 21 years old for the sale, purchase or possession of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes or tobacco products.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 22, 2023
Jason Long, Office of Revisor of Statutes, gave an overview of the bill. HB2269 amends statute to increase the age to purchase tobacco from 18 to 21, and bring state law in conformity with federal law. (Attachment 9)
After a period of questions for the revisor, the Chairman called for proponent testimony.
Proponent Oral Testimony
Kasey Skidmore, Attorney, Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) spoke as a proponent of the bill. She stated without the change in age, KDOR cannot enforce the federal law, would be out of conformity, and funds can be withheld from Kansas. (Attachment 10)
Andrew Brown, Commissioner, Behavioral Health Services, Kansas Developmental and Disability Services, spoke as a proponent of the bill. He stated the bill was purposefully kept simple, they are hopeful it will reduce the number of people addicted to nicotine in the state, and it will put Kansas in conformity with Federal law. (Attachment 11)
Kevin Gregg, Associate Executive Director, Fuel True Independent Energy and Convenience, spoke as a proponent of the bill. He stated they represent over 300 convenience stores in Kansas, and they are in favor because the uniformity will help them enforce compliance. (Attachment 12)
Proponent Written Only Testimony
Dr. Debra Doubek, President, Kansas Academy of Family Physicians (Attachment 13)
Dr. Tonya Merrigan, Superintendent, USD 229 Blue Valley Schools (Attachment 14)
Sara Prem, President, Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition (Attachment 15)
Dr. Roy Jensen, The University of Kansas Cancer Center (Attachment 16)
Lauren Tice Miller, Kansas National Education Association (Attachment 17)
Katrina Abraham, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce (Attachment 18)
Opponent Testimony - none
Neutral written only Testimony
Kari Rinker, State Government Relations Director, American Heart Association (Attachment 19)
Following a period of questions and answers, the Chairman closed the hearing on HB2269.
