ST. PAUL Friday morning.edition. A comprehensive tobacco bill, which a U.S. Senate committee approved this week, could go to the senate floor next month. The action underscores the tobacco industry's eroding political influence--and hints at the national importance of information being released during the Minnesota trial against big tobacco industries. Minnesota Public Radio's Karen Louise boothe reports: The legislation would force tobacco companies to pay 506-Billion dollars over 25 years and curb their marketing practices. The bill grants fewer legal protections by allowing all lawsuits against tobacco companies, including class actions. It's legislation that supporters and opponents ALIKE say could kill the industry.