Tobacco supporters are working around the clock to keep the proposals from passing. They say they're trying to reduce access to tobacco for kids, but don't think these laws are the answer. But Texas lawmakers think they will help. They have begun to see the consequences to public health issues and to the money it takes to provide treatment after health damage from tobacco occurs. The Texas Department of Health says it costs seven times more for public health costs related to tobacco than cigarette sales taxes bring in.
Tobacco is under fire nationwide.
It is the subject of a multibillion-dollar lawsuit over how tobacco has affected the public health of Texans. Texas Attorney General Dan Morales wants the tobacco industry to pay up for some of the health costs caused by tobacco. Texas lawmakers may also pass measures that would make it easier to sue tobacco companies and require that the ingredients in tobacco products be available to the public. Hirschi, one of the state's top anti-tobacco advocates, filed both bills. I don't think the tobacco industry should have special immunity in Texas.