What's happening in the U.S. Territories and Commonwealths?

Publication Date: 5/19/2010

Legislative activity for smokefree air is well under way in several of the U.S. Territories and Commonwealths.

American Samoa: In April, American Samoa's House of Representatives approved a bill that would make enclosed public places and workplaces smokefree. The bill has been sent to the Senate for its consideration. In 2008, Governor Togiola Tulafono vetoed a bill because it contained exemptions that would have permitted designated smoking areas and he wanted the legislature to come back and introduce strong smokefree legislation.

Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI): In September 2009, CNMI took a major step forward for public health when it enacted a smokefree law for non-hospitality workplaces and restaurants, which went into effect right away, although the law exempts bars and casinos. Unfortunately, a bill has been introduced to weaken parts of the law, so that smoking could be allowed in restaurants and 80% of hotel and motel rooms. Currently, efforts are underway by the coalition to speak out against this bill and protect the smokefree law so that CNMI and its employees and visitors can continue breathing smokefree air in many public places and workplaces.

U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI): On May 10, the Governor signed Bill 28-0191, which will bring smokefree air to enclosed areas of public places and places of employment. The new law is scheduled to go into effect on May 10, 2011. Unfortunately, Governor John deJongh Jr. has some reservations about the new law, saying that it criminalizes smokers and will need to be revisited by the Senate.