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SB 495

Eliminate the tobacco prevention advisory board

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Hertz

Montana eliminates its tobacco prevention advisory board, removing a structured mechanism for expert recommendations on tobacco control policies and public health initiatives.

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Bill Summary · SB 495

Legislative bill overview

SB 495 eliminates Montana's tobacco prevention advisory board, a body that previously provided recommendations on tobacco control policies and public health initiatives. The bill has already passed both chambers and been signed by the Governor, making it law as of April 17, 2025.

Why is this important

Tobacco prevention boards typically advise on evidence-based strategies to reduce smoking rates and tobacco-related diseases, which remain a significant public health burden. Eliminating this advisory function removes a structured mechanism for expert input on tobacco control policy, potentially affecting how the state approaches nicotine-related health issues going forward.

Potential points of contention

  • Public health impact: Critics may argue that removing dedicated tobacco prevention guidance weakens the state's ability to reduce smoking rates and related health costs, particularly among youth
  • Cost savings vs. effectiveness: Supporters likely frame this as eliminating unnecessary boards and bureaucracy, but opponents question whether minimal cost savings justify losing specialized public health coordination
  • Stakeholder influence: Elimination could reduce visibility of tobacco industry impact data and prevention science in policy discussions, or conversely, reduce what some view as regulatory overreach

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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