CALIFORNIA BILLS ADVANCE [04/09]

Readers in the state of California can help two important anti-tobacco bills advance.

One by Sen. Quentin Kopp (I-San Francisco) would overturn an immunity from law suits the tobacco industry was granted in a very controversial law passed several years ago as a result of a back- table agreement -- called the "napkin deal" -- at Fat Frank's restaurant near the Capitol.

The other by Sen. Byron Sher (D-Stanford) would punch some holes in the tobacco shield and stipulate that the state could sue tobacco companies to recover the cost of treating people for smoking-related illnesses.

Both bills were approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Readers in California can make an important contribution by contacting their legislators and letting them know how they feel about these bills.

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