March 6, 2008

Assembly OK’s Fire-Safe Cigarettes, Mutual Aid for Public Works

The Wisconsin State Assembly on Wednesday approved two bills authored by Sen. Judy Robson.  One bill concerns fire-safe cigarettes.  The other concerns mutual aid for public works.  Both bills now move to the Senate for approval.

“These are both common sense bills that will improve the safety of Wisconsin citizens,” Robson said.  “I’m pleased these bills have made it through the Assembly and I look forward to swift passage in the Senate.”

The Assembly passed the fire-safe cigarette bill on a voice vote.  Robson and Rep. A.J. “Doc” Hines (R-Oxford) are the lead authors.  The Senate companion bill was approved by the Senate Public Health Committee 5-0.

Assembly Bill 717/Senate Bill 379 requires that only self-extinguishing cigarettes be sold in Wisconsin.  “Speed bumps” in the paper of the cigarette cause the cigarette to self-extinguish when not smoked.

Fire-safe cigarette laws are in effect in Canada and eight states in the U.S.  Such laws have passed in another 14 states and will go into effect in the coming months.  Wisconsin is one of yet another 14 states that have legislation pending.

The Assembly passed the mutual aid for public works on a voice vote.  Robson and Rep. Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) are the lead authors.

Assembly Bill 736/Senate Bill 423 would create a structure to enable local public works departments to share resources in times of disaster.  The Department of Military Affairs would develop the framework for mutual assistance agreements similar to those used by fire and EMS agencies.

The Beloit Public Works director approached Sen. Robson about public works mutual aid agreements following the Stoughton tornado of 2006.  At that time, public works departments in other jurisdictions helped out Stoughton area public works agencies with tasks such as clearing trees from roadways and helping utilities restore power, but they did not have a formal agreement for lending aid.