ACS CAN Legislative Night in Annapolis

Our annual Legislative Night in Annapolis took place on February 25, 2013.  ACS CAN Ambassadors attended along with representatives and volunteers from the  American Heart Association, American Lung Association and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Meetings took place with legislators from key committees.

Priority Legislation:

1) The Palliative Care bill- HB 581: the ACS CAN and Maryland Hospital Association amendments to create pilot programs in hospitals with 50 or more beds, establish a web-based palliative care information system and a Palliative Care Advisory Council.   Hearing- February 19.

2)  Tobacco Tax legislation-SB 700/ HB 683: a $1.00 tax increase on cigarettes, increasing the tax on other tobacco products from 30% to 95% of the wholesale price and designating a portion of the revenue to fund comprehensive tobacco control programs at the Centers for Disease Control Program recommended level of $63.3 Million.  House hearing- February 19. Senate Hearing- March 13.

3) Student Health and Fitness Act- HB 855: requiring 150 minutes per week of physical education in all Maryland elementary schools. Hearing -March 13.

4) Tanning Bed Bill- SB 488: prohibiting minors from using tanning beds. Currently, 16 and 17 year olds are able to use indoor tanning beds with a signed parental consent form.  Hearing-March 14.

Interested in visiting Annapolis and meeting with your lawmakers on these key issue.  Please contact Sherry McCammon, Grassroots Manager at [email protected] for more information.