Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry (D) signed into a law a bill that seeks to beef up enforcement of tribal tobacco sales.

Oklahoma Tax Commission Administrator Tony Mastin said the law helps the state crack down on tobacco products that are being sold without tax stamps and without the correct tax stamps. Even tribes without a compact could be forced to buy tax stamps, he said.

"It will help us with our enforcement activities,” Martin told The Oklahoman of the law.

In related news, the Senate moved forward on H.R.1256, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. A vote yesterday limited the types of amendments that will be considered during debate on the bill.

Get the Story:
Law may turn up heat on some Oklahoma tribes (The Oklahoman 6/9)
Bill gives FDA controls over tobacco advances (AP 6/8)

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Coburn calls for ban on smoking and tobacco (6/5)
Coburn proposes anti-tribal provision in tobacco bill (6/3)