The deadline for introducing new bills for the 2009 session of the California Legislature was Friday, February 27. A total of 10 tobacco-related bills have been introduced. These bills cover a variety of tobacco control issues, including increasing the state’s tobacco tax, restricting smoking at state beaches, state parks and hospitals, and restricting the issuance of state tobacco retailer licenses. The next step for all of these bills is to be referred to the appropriate policy committee(s) where hearings and votes will occur. The attached legislative update contains summaries and status updates for all of these bills. For even more information about these bills, visit the Center’s Bill Tracker at www.Center4TobaccoPolicy.org/bills. The Bill Tracker will be updated frequently throughout the legislative session as votes, amendments and other legislative actions occur on tobacco-related bills. It will also contain links to any media coverage and information about which tobacco interests lobby these bills. For any questions about these bills, please email or call me, (916) 554-5864, x233. Justin Justin Garrett, Policy Coordinator Center for Tobacco Policy & Organizing American Lung Association of California Government Relations Office 1029 J Street, Suite 450 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 554-5864 Fax: (916) 442-8585 www.Center4TobaccoPolicy.org jgarrett@alac.org