Posted: | April 6, 2023 10:45 AM |
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From: | Representative Jeanne McNeill |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Prohibiting the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products |
In recent years, vaping and flavored tobacco products have become increasingly popular, especially among teenagers and young adults. While some studies have concluded vaping is less dangerous than smoking cigarettes, vaping in itself is still unhealthy and has been linked to the recent outbreak of lung injuries and lung-related deaths. Flavored vape pens give the user a false sense of safety. In addition, flavored tobacco products like cigarettes and cigars use flavors such as menthol or fruit to encourage young adults to pick up the habit. To prevent further addiction and sickness, we as the General Assembly must act to protect our children from the awful effects of vaping and other flavored tobacco products. My bill will prohibit tobacco retailers from selling flavored tobacco products, vaping products, or product flavor enhancers. Any tobacco retailers who fail to abide by this act will be punished by a fine of $250 for each violation. By taking these steps, we can remove the flavor enticement of these products and prevent young people from developing a habit that could have a lasting impact on their health or kill them in the future. Please join me in protecting our children’s lungs and giving them a more healthful future by co-sponsoring this bill. |
Introduced as HB1161