Public Hearing On Texas Legislation April 14

[cruisin66stang]

I just saw a notice from CRA that there will be a public hearing on the Texas smoking legislation on Tuesday, April 14. Anyone from Houston planning to go?

CRA - Cigar Rights of America

[Cypress]

I just read the bill and it looks like instead of a city having the right to ban smoking in public confined places it will make it state law. Unless I read wrong it appears it included bars too and not cigar bars like downing street and robustos and b&m's

[mmpjim]

the way I read it, it includes anyplace that has employees..the private club provision seemed to ride on their being no paid employees and the private club not being established for the sole purpose of circumventing this new law. Also, I believe Sam is right about the cities. If the state law is stricter than city law , then the state law applies. If the city code is stricter, then the city code applies. I've written both my State rep. who is a friend of mine and not a signatory to the bill and also my State Senator, whom I know casually.

[tx_tuff]

First time I heard about this, and no way I can make it.

[cruisin66stang]

Keith and I are driving up tonight and will let you know what happens. Our plan it to go by Fumee' when we get to Austin tonight to visit with the BOTL/SOTL's and make sure we know where to go on Tuesday.

[tx_tuff]

Your the MAN Allen! Hey say hi to Heather for us when are they.

[Cypress]

Take pictures.

[mlbar1153]

Got email from our local Heroes and Legacies about this. Will not be able to attend. So, for those that are going to attend. Make us proud and be HEARD!!!!

[mmpjim]

I heard from Allen last night..smokin at Fumee and looking forward to the hearings today. As of a few minutes ago, there has been no legislative update on the website.

[tx_tuff]

Yeah he sent me a couple pics from Fumee, looks like a pretty nice place. I'm sure he will post as soon as he can.

[cruisin66stang]

It has taken a couple of days to recover from my trip to Austin but I wanted to let everyone know that the hearing seemed to go pretty good. We won't know for sure until the bill comes out of committee. The Texas Cigar Merchants Association (CMA), submitted a revised bill with proposed changes to the senators a couple of weeks ago. When the hearing began, Rodney Ellis, who is the sponsor, amended the legislation with some of the proposed changed. Not all of the changes were included but this is still progress. During the hearing several speakers addressed the issues with the bill that were not changed and some of the senators seemed to understand the problem. In particular, one provision of the bill requires cigar bars to be in operation by May 15. After that date, no other cigar bars will be allowed. This creates a monopoly for those who are in business but de-values their business because it can never be sold. I'll post another note in a couple of days with more details.

I did want to add that I was glad I could participate in the democratic process of our state and proud to be an American. I am optimistic that cool heads will prevail and that the final bill will be something we can all live with (smokers and non-smokers).

[cruisin66stang]

If you want to follow progress of the bills, you can do so at the following links. You can register on this web site and get e-mail updates as the bills progress.

Senate bill 544

Texas Legislature Online - 81(R) History for SB 544

House bill 5

Texas Legislature Online - 81(R) History for HB 5

[tx_tuff]

Thanks for going and the updates Allen! Hopefully this bill won't pass at all! Going to those links now.

[Cypress]

Originally Posted by cruisin66stang

It has taken a couple of days to recover from my trip to Austin

Smoked too much, drank too much, or a combination of both? HAHAHA

[tx_tuff]

Hey Allen did you hear or get a vibe on how the governor feels about these bills?