SACRAMENTO – State senators Tuesday approved a bill by State Sen. Marty Block (D-San Diego) that would ban smoking or disposal of tobacco products at a state owned or operated beach or park.
The measure, SB 1333, will now head to the governor.
Block said his bill is an overdue step in protecting California’s natural resources. “SB 1333 will help us maintain the beauty and safety of our beaches and parks by reducing the litter and fire danger of cigarette butts while also keeping tobacco product toxins from polluting our oceans, water ways, aquatic life and the air that we breathe,” Block said.
He said, “Cigarettes are non-biodegradable and contain more than 164 toxic chemicals which create a substantial trash and health issue at beaches and parks. Improperly extinguished cigarettes are also a primary cause of fire.”
SB 1333 would make it an infraction to dispose used cigarettes or waste in parks or waterways. The ban would also extend to waste from any other weed or plant used as an alternative or supplement to tobacco or nicotine. The Director of Department of Parks and Recreation has the discretion to designate certain areas within the state Park System to be exempt from the provisions of this law.
A maximum fine of $250 is created in the bill for a violation of the law. SB 1333 also requires the Department of Parks and Recreation to post signs notifying park and beach goers of the smoking ban.
Block’s bill is supported by the California State Firefighters Association, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Lung Association in California, the County Health Executives Association of California, the California Optometric Association, the Association of California Healthcare Districts, Sierra Club Sacramento, the Surfrider Foundation and others.
