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Action on Smoking and Health
A National Legal-Action Antismoking Organization Entirely Supported by Tax-Deductible Contributions
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Schwarzenegger Bans Smoking in Prison to Save $280M in Related Health Care Costs [10/19-2]
Excerpts from: Schwarzenegger bans smoking in prisons Decision could save $280 million in related health care costs
CNN [09/28/04]
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who set up a tent outside his smoke-free state office to accommodate his taste for a good cigar, signed a bill Monday barring tobacco from state prisons.
The measure amends the state's penal code to bar tobacco products from prisons and youth correctional facilities. Violators are subject to a fine.
Supporters say the changes will help save the state money on health care and improve the health of 160,000 state inmates. Some parts of California's criminal justice system such as county jails have already banned smoking.
The state generated about $1 million in tobacco taxes and $370,000 in sales taxes by selling tobacco products to inmates last year.
Bill sponsor Tim Leslie, a Republican assemblyman, estimates that about half of California prisoners smoke, costing $280 million in related health care costs.
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