A new bill introduced last week in the Missouri Senate would prevent local governments from enacting tobacco regulations that are stricter than state law.
S.B. 911 would introduce a preemption clause to Missouri’s state law, preventing cities and counties from enacting tobacco laws that are stricter than those of the state. Preemption clauses in other states have been useful at preventing cities from enacting laws like flavored tobacco sales bans or smoking laws, with notable successes in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The new bill, introduced by Sen. Ben Brown, R-26, would remove language that says:
Nothing in sections 407.925 to 407.932 shall prohibit local political subdivisions from enacting more stringent ordinances or rules.
It is replaced by language that says that no local laws regarding tobacco, vapor and alternative nicotine products will supersede state law.