Senate Bill 348, relating to tobacco usage restrictions, came before the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee during Monday’s meeting.
The proposed legislation, which would increase the buying age of tobacco products from 18 to 21, was highly advocated for by guests of the committee. Following explanation of the bill, three guests came before the committee in support of the bill which is intended to battle the state’s tobacco usage.
Doctor Catherine Slemp, the interim state health office at the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, addressed the committee to explain her reasons for supporting the legislation. Slemp stated that each year 4,300 lives are lost in the state due to tobacco which ultimately accounts for a billion dollars in health costs being spent by the state.
On average, 94 percent of the state’s smokers begin smoking before the age of 21; 75 percent begin at the age of 18.
Following a question from Sen. Mike Azinger, R-Wood, Slemp explained that the bill was a result of the military seeking to improve the health based readiness of individuals who are attempting to enlist. According to the officer, many individuals who join the military at the age of 18 are already smoking or may begin to smoke following their arrival in the service. The long term goal of the military is to create a tobacco free environment.
Lauren Rowley of the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association came before committee members concerning the committee substitute for Senate Bill 489, relating to the Pharmacy Audit Integrity Act. Rowley stated that following review of the revised language, the association appreciated the work of the committee substitute but disagreed with updates applied to the registration process.
“We believe the registration that is currently in place is fine and shouldn’t be changed,” Rowley said. “We have not heard any of our clients complain about our current registration so I’m hoping you can remove this.”
When reviewing Senate Bill 545, relating to HIV testing, Sen. Ron Stollings, D-Boone, raised concerns over the objective of the bill and asked if it was intended to make HIV testing more restrictive.
Council responded to the Senator by explaining that the bill isn’t intended to be restrictive, but to revamp the process by creating more flexibility with testing.
Senate Bill 546, relating to health care provider taxes, was briefly reviewed by the committee as well.
Each of the four bills were reported to the full Senate with the recommendation that each pass.
