79R4511 MSE-D


By:  Zedler, et al.                                               H.B. No. 1719



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to point-of-sale health warnings for tobacco products.               
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Section 161.084(b), Health and Safety Code, is 
amended to read as follows:
	(b)  The sign must include the statement:                                      
	PURCHASING OR ATTEMPTING TO PURCHASE TOBACCO PRODUCTS BY A 
MINOR UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.  SALE OR PROVISION 
OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO A MINOR UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE IS PROHIBITED 
BY LAW.  UPON CONVICTION, A CLASS C MISDEMEANOR, INCLUDING A FINE OF 
UP TO $500, MAY BE IMPOSED. VIOLATIONS MAY BE REPORTED TO THE TEXAS 
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE BY CALLING (insert toll-free telephone 
number).  PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD NOT SMOKE.  SMOKERS ARE MORE LIKELY 
TO HAVE BABIES WHO ARE BORN PREMATURE, ARE STILLBORN, OR DIE BECAUSE 
OF SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS).
	SECTION 2.  The comptroller shall adopt rules as necessary 
to implement Section 161.084, Health and Safety Code, as amended by 
this Act, not later than the 90th day after the effective date of 
this Act.
	SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2005.