Senate passes measure restricting "roll-your-own" cigarette operations

Idaho lawmakers have passed a bill restricting "roll-your-own" cigarette operations that they fear could jeopardize state settlements with tobacco companies.

The Senate voted 30-3 to pass the legislation, which would enact a strict permitting process for the swelling industry of ATM-sized machines that cost up to $35,000 and can spit out hundreds of cigarettes in minutes.

She says the "roll-your-own" operations can circumvent state tobacco laws, jeopardizing settlement payments from big tobacco worth approximately $25 million annually.

The bill awaits Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's approval.

Manufacturers of the machines have been targeted nationwide for getting around pricier cigarette taxes by offering patrons cheaper pipe tobacco to roll their own smokes on site.

The machines haven't emerged in Idaho yet.

But Huston Sen. Patti Lodge says the state should be proactive. She says the "roll-your-own" operations can circumvent state tobacco laws, jeopardizing settlement payments from big tobacco worth approximately $25 million annually.