Update on activity for Thusday, January 17th

The House Energy and Natural Resources committee had firearms related bills scheduled all morning and afternoon. The ND Sheriffs & Deputies Association monitored them and testified in opposition to HB 1325 which would allow anyone to carry a gun at a public gathering. Stutsman County Sheriff Chad Kaiser offered testimony in opposition to that bill as well.

SACCHO testified in opposition of SB 2137 which would allow cigar smoking on premises where purchased.  While emphasizing that establishment of a 100% smoke-free environment is the only effective way to fully protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke, it was also stated that there is substantial research which has determined ventilation systems, as proposed in the bill to mitigate secondhand smoke, do not protect people from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Local public health testified in support of SB 2012, the Department of Human Services (DHS) budget.  The Behavioral Health Division of DHS has been collaborating with local public health units (LPHUs) over the past few years on prevention efforts in several areas including adult and youth binge drinking, and underage drinking. The 28 LPHUs add more boots on the ground to aid in services for more prevention efforts and to help with the increasing demand for services.

SACCHO testified in opposition of SB 2137 which would allow cigar smoking on premises where purchased.  While emphasizing that establishment of a 100% smoke-free environment is the only effective way to fully protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke, it was also stated that there is substantial research which has determined ventilation systems, as proposed in the bill to mitigate secondhand smoke, do not protect people from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Local public health testified in support of SB 2012, the Department of Human Services (DHS) budget.  The Behavioral Health Division of DHS has been collaborating with local public health units (LPHUs) over the past few years on prevention efforts in several areas including adult and youth binge drinking, and underage drinking. The 28 LPHUs add more boots on the ground to aid in services for more prevention efforts and to help with the increasing demand for services.