September 28th, 2004
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who set up a tent outside his smoke-free state office to accommodate his taste for a good cigar, has signed a bill barring tobacco from state prisons. Monday's 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 California's criminal justice system such as county jails have already banned smoking. The state generated about $1 million (550,000 pounds) in tobacco taxes and $370,000 in sales taxes by selling tobacco products to inmates last year. |