California Flavored Tobacco Products Ban Referendum

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The California Flavored Tobacco Products Ban Referendum is on the ballot in California as a veto referendum on November 8, 2022.

A "yes" vote is to uphold the contested legislation, Senate Bill 793 (SB 793), which would ban the sale of flavored tobacco products.

A "no" vote is to repeal the contested legislation, Senate Bill 793 (SB 793), thus keeping the sale of flavored tobacco legal in the state.

Overview

The California State Legislature passed SB 793 in August 2020. The legislation received support from most legislative Democrats (84 of 89) and a quarter of legislative Republicans (8 of 30). One legislator voted against the bill, and the remaining legislators were absent or abstained. State Sen. Jerry Hill (D-13), the legislative sponsor of SB 793, said, "Using candy, fruit and other alluring flavors, the tobacco industry weaponized its tactics to beguile a new generation into nicotine addiction while keeping longtime users hooked. SB 793 breaks Big Tobacco’s death grip." The California Fuels & Convenience Alliance, which opposed SB 793, described the flavored tobacco ban as "misguided policy that will do more harm than good" and "hurt small businesses, eliminate necessary tax revenue, and perpetuate dangerous and avoidable police interactions in our communities."^[3]

The California Coalition for Fairness is campaigning for the veto referendum to repeal SB 793. Through December 31, 2021, the campaign had received $21.16 million, including $10.33 million from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and $9.83 million from Philip Morris USA.