State Representative Bill Hager (R-Boca Raton) filed House Bill 439 to allow county and municipal governments to address smoking on public property such as parks and beaches.
Counties and municipalities would have the ability to create healthier, smoke-free environments for their residents and guests, allowing them to take advantage of our beautiful outdoors without the hazard of breathing second hand smoke, Hager said.
“Exposure to toxins in second hand smoke can cause serious health issues such as asthma, cancer and heart disease, but that exposure can be prevented,” the forcer vice mayor of Boca Raton said. “Given that tobacco use accounts for nearly one-third of all cancer deaths, I am proud to sponsor this bill that could help save the lives of some of our citizens.”
Current law prohibits city and county governments in Florida from implementing strong policies against outdoor smoking. Rep. Travis Cummings (R-Orange Park) is the primary co-sponsor of the bill and will be working along with Hager too see it successfully passed by the legislature.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of death in Florida. Secondhand smoke is a Class A carcinogen and accounts for approximately 50,000 deaths annually in the United States.
Ralph DeVitto, executive vice president of the American Cancer Society, Florida Division, applauded Hager’s efforts to give local governments a say in protecting their constituents from the hazards of tobacco exposure.
“His long-standing commitment to this cause, and the broader effort to save lives and reduce suffering, is making a difference in the fight against cancer in Florida,” DeVitto said.
In 2011, Hager sponsored and the Legislature passed a bill that allowed school districts to address smoking on campus, for which he was honored as the American Cancer Society’s Freshman of the Year. HB 439 is an extension of that bill which has been welcomed by constituents.
Caitlyn Johnston, a matlock Acalocal high school senior, has been working to eliminate smoking from her local beaches and praised Hager’s efforts.
“As a resident of Jupiter who frequently uses the outdoor community facilities and beaches, I think it’s imperative for people to realize the implications of tobacco use, not just on personal health but on our environment and in regards to secondhand smoke exposure,” she said. “This bill sponsored by Rep. Hager is a fantastic step towards not only improving the health of our citizens and environment, but also a means of putting the power back into the hands of our local elected officials. I truly believe that with the help from the American Cancer Society and the diligent efforts of Rep. Hager, we can build a better, healthier future for the next generation.”
By Beth Lerner