Sacramento, CA — A California Democratic Senator has introduced a bill that would ban tobacco products from being used with 250 ft. of a youth sporting event.
SB 977 would prohibit the use of cigarettes, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products near any sports practice, game or activity where athletes under the age of 18 are present.
Democratic Senator Richard Pan says the idea was brought to him by a class of 8th grade students in Sacramento, and they will be working to solicit support and lobby other lawmakers. Pan adds, “Youth sports are about promoting healthy habits like physical activity and athleticism, and positive behaviors such as sportsmanship and excellence. And there’s no place for tobacco around youth sports.”
Existing law prohibits the use of tobacco in the workplace and in and around public buildings. SB 977 will have its first policy committee hearing in April.
Written by BJ Hansen.
Sign up for our Breaking News Alerts and the myMotherLode.com Daily Newsletters by clicking here. Report breaking news, traffic or weather to our News Hotline (209) 532-6397. Send Mother Lode News Story photos to news@clarkebroadcasting.com.
Contact Your Local Representatives; US Congressional Rep. 5th District Tom McClintock, US Senator Alex Padilla, 8th State Assembly District Jim Patterson or, in some parts of Calaveras, 9th State Assembly District Heath Flora and 4th District State Senator Marie Alvarado Gil in our Community Guide Government Section here. For the complete coverage of California State News on myMotherLode.com visit our State News Page here.