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RI H8346
Bill
Status
3/25/2026
Primary Sponsor
Terri-Denise Cortvriend
Click for details
AI Summary
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Department of Health required to implement statewide tobacco control program with surveillance of tobacco-related behaviors, tracking progress against benchmarks including 9.9% adult smoking rate, 17.3% youth tobacco use rate, and 16.5% youth e-cigarette rate
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Department must conduct ongoing public awareness campaigns using media approaches based on professional market research to prevent tobacco initiation and promote quitting
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Grant program established to fund health education, tobacco cessation, and enforcement programs targeting populations at high risk of starting tobacco use or developing tobacco-related diseases
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Annual evaluation of program efficacy required to be submitted to the General Assembly and Department of Health director
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Funding beginning July 1, 2026 set at the greater of 5% of cigarette/tobacco tax revenues or $3.2 million, with 5% annual increases to meet CDC recommended funding levels for Rhode Island
Legislative Description
Requires the department of health to implement a tobacco control program that incorporates evidence-based best practices for tobacco prevention and cessation to prevent tobacco-related diseases and diminish tobacco use in the state.
Health And Safety
Last Action
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
3/30/2026