Bill Would Ban Non-Biodegradable Cigarette Butts

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Del. Jon Cardin says he will introduce a measure to ban the sale of non-biodegradable cigarette butts in Maryland.

Cardin said Thursday the legislation will call for starting the ban in 2015.

He says the measure would include a fine of up to $200 a pack for a business selling non-biodegradable cigarettes. The bill also would give the attorney general the authority to enforce the law through civil legal actions.

Cardin says Maryland would become the first state to ban non-biodegradable cigarettes.

He says they should be banned because they pollute Maryland waterways. Cardin is running for the Democratic nomination for attorney general.

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