Sticky items struck from tobacco bill

CARSON CITY -- Kids can relax now that the Assembly Judiciary Committee has decided not to outlaw bubble gum or candy that is shaped or colored like cigarettes, cigars or chewing tobacco.

The ban had been contained in Assembly Bill 549, a bill designed to discourage youth smoking.

Assemblyman Greg Brower, R-Reno, said this part of AB549 "is going way overboard" in trying to stop children from smoking.

Assemblyman Tom Collins, D-North Las Vegas, said, "The next thing you know, animal rights groups will want to ban candy Easter bunnies."

Presented to the committee were exhibits of bubble gum shaped like cigars or cigarettes, which carried names such as "Pink Owl" and "Gold Dragon."

The bill, sought by Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa, would prohibit those younger than 18 from buying or possessing cigarettes and other tobacco products. Those found guilty could be fined up to $100.

Committee members questioned how this would be enforced. Would police swoop down on smoking areas off school campuses where students tend to gather?

Assemblyman John Carpenter, R-Elko, said this "could lead to a lot of mischief" by police and "would require a huge investment in paddy wagons if you're rounding them (the students) up."

The bill calls for the labeling of "child in need of supervision" on anybody under 18 who has cigarettes or tries to use a false identification card to buy tobacco products.

That brought objections from Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie, D-Reno, who complained it would mean a youngster would be entered in the juvenile court system. She said the cigarette offense would put the child in the same category with those who run away from home or who break curfew.

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