SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 30

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

INTRODUCED JANUARY 29, 1996

 

 

By Senator BASSANO

 

 

A Concurrent Resolution memorializing the Congress of the United States to adopt legislation to require that packages of cigarettes contain a warning that use of the product can be addictive.

 

Whereas, Since 1965, the Congress of the United States has recognized that smoking can be hazardous to an individual's health by requiring warning labels on packages of cigarettes; and

Whereas, While these warnings are concerned with the effects of smoking on health, they do not address the issue of the addictive properties of nicotine; and

Whereas, Documents from tobacco companies recently obtained by the Congress of the United States, as well as by other organizations, strongly suggest that nicotine can be addictive; and

Whereas, Under section 5 of the Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, Pub.L.89-92 (15 U.S.C.§1334), states are preempted from requiring any statement relating to smoking and health on any cigarette package, other than what is required by federal law; and

Whereas, Because states cannot act on this critical health matter on their own, it is necessary that Congress take prompt action to require stronger warnings on cigarette packages that address the addictive nature of cigarette smoking; now, therefore,

    

    Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey (the General Assembly concurring):

 

    1. The Legislature of this State respectfully memorializes the Congress of the United States to promptly enact legislation requiring warning labels on cigarette packages that address the addictive nature of cigarette smoking.

 

    2. A duly authenticated copy of this resolution, signed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the General Assembly, and attested by the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the General Assembly, shall be forwarded to the President of the United States Senate and the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and every member of Congress elected from this State.

STATEMENT

 

    This concurrent resolution memorializes Congress to promptly enact legislation requiring warning labels on cigarette packages that address the addictive nature of cigarette smoking.

 

 

                             

 

Memorializes Congress to enact legislation requiring warnings on cigarette packages that address the addictive nature of cigarette smoking.