• Introduced by Sen. Tupac Hunter (D) on February 19, 2009, to restrict sales of cigarettes to only those meeting the standard for self-extinguishing cigarettes established by the state of New York. Cigarette makers would have to certify and pay a $1,250 tax for each "brand family" every three years. Violations would be subject to fines up to $100,000 per month, and $25,000 per month for retailers. The bill also would increase various reporting requirements.


• Passed in the Senate (37 to 0) on May 14, 2009. [Vote Details and Comments at Michigan Votes]


• Received in the House on May 14, 2009.


• Passed in the House (102 to 6) on June 11, 2009, to restrict sales of cigarettes to only those meeting the standard for self-extinguishing cigarettes established by the state of New York. Cigarette makers would have to certify and pay a $1,250 tax for each "brand family" every three years. Violations would be subject to fines up to $100,000 per month, and $25,000 per month for retailers. The bill also would increase various reporting requirements. [Vote Details and Comments at Michigan Votes]


• Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm on June 25, 2009, and effective last Saturday.

Slow burn as a result of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion based adhesive.  That is what is used to hold the new cigarette paper together.

Never mind that the resultant burn gives 11.4% more carbon monoxide (replaces O2 in the bloodstream.. very bad) than a standard cigarette, the fact that additional chemicals with possible carcinogenic characteristics are being legislated into existence by our knowledgeable legislatures should allow us to more fully appreciate their weighted temperaments towards such products..  Quite obviously, the guardians of our state's health and fiscal wherewithal performed independent studies showing that a potential cancer is preferable to a potential house fire.

One..  just ONE study by a legislator's office showing pros and cons of this act prior to its signature by our tyrant in chief.  That would totally satisfy this writer's curiosity as to how they came up with this bill.

We won't see one.  It was written by insurer's of buildings.  Property underwriters..  Those who have an interest in not paying out for replacement of burned up stuff.  A solid move for them, but at the cost of health perhaps?  While the effects as carcinogens is still unknown (these little miracles take time) smokers have already begun to complain of other effects:

"However, a few weeks ago I noticed my usual cigarette brand would go out if I didn't continually puff; noticed a bad, copper-like aftertaste; and began experiencing headaches and bouts with nausea. In questioning other smokers if they noted the same, one said: "Yes. And it's because of the new Fire Safe Cigarette bull our government is sticking us with."

While we look at Washington DC shaking our heads and wondering if they have time to read the bills they sign, perhaps we might look to the local catastrophe known as Lansing that can roll up and smoke the States economy, in its own imitable manner.  Regrettably they too are likely not reading, nor looking at the big picture long enough to make truly educated guesses as to what comes next. The question might have been asked, (if it was, comment here.. please) "What do they use to make it burn slower?"  Though the news played up the "more paper" angle, they failed to note the stuff used in the binding of the paper.

Its 2010, and the next set of legislators might consider rolling their own next time..  Rules that is.  Actually lead, by examining cause and effect, who benefits, and who gets squashed.

I quit smoking years ago.  I am glad I quit..