From: Richmond Times Dispatch
A Senate committee approved legislation Monday aimed at cracking down on cigarette smuggling from Virginia to higher-tax states.
Senate Bill 347 would make it illegal to possess more than 25 cartons of cigarettes outside the normal chain of distribution.
The Senate Courts of Justice Committee passed the bill and re-referred it to the Senate Finance Committee. The bill, introduced by Sen. Ryan T. McDougle, R-Hanover, is backed by Henrico County-based tobacco giant Altria Group Inc.
A similar bill, House Bill 479, sponsored by Del. David B. Albo, R-Fairfax, is scheduled to be heard in the House Courts of Justice Committee on Wednesday.
