IN HR0059

Urges the Legislative Council to create an interim study committee to examine tobacco harm reduction policies that encourage smokers to switch from cigarettes to smokeless tobacco products

Cites that 21.2% of adult Indiana residents smoke cigarettes, and while smoking rates declined substantially from 1965 to 2004, the rate of decline has slowed in recent years

References findings from public health organizations including the Institute of Medicine, Royal College of Physicians, and World Health Organization that smokeless tobacco carries lower health risks than cigarettes

Aims to help the General Assembly evaluate whether tobacco harm reduction should be included as a strategy to reduce smoking-related deaths, disease, and associated healthcare costs in Indiana