SENATE, No. 2016
By Ms. Tucker (by request), a petition (accompanied by
bill, Senate, No. 2016) of Michael Frishman for
legislation relative to tobacco use in broadcasts.
Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.
Version with line numbers
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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.
AN ACT concerning tobacco use in broadcasts.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
SECTION 1. Whereas tobacco is a human carcinogen and also a hazard to human health in other ways as well, and whereas this has already been acknowledged in judgments that awarded states damages for past costs, and whereas tobacco products are still vigorously marketed especially to the young, the most vulnerable potential new smokers, and continue to be a hazard to health, in order to reimburse the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for future costs that will be incurred because of this health hazard, beginning with enactment of this law all future broadcasts on television or projection of movies showing any of the five leading actors using tobacco products shall be taxed $10,000.00 for each instance of such tobacco use. This tax shall also be applied to actors or performers participating in live performances.