Louisiana Committee Passes Bill Banning Flavored E-cigarette Products
Recently, the Louisiana House Judiciary Committee passed a bill banning the use of flavored nicotine products in e-cigarettes with a vote of 7 to 3. The bill, called HB 179, was drafted by Representative William Wheat, who expressed concern about the increasing use of e-cigarette products among young people and described it as "reaching epidemic proportions."
Wheat stated that the previous legislative session passed a bill making it illegal for people under 21 to purchase tobacco and nicotine products, but this did not stop young people from obtaining them. He went on to say, "This bill is not a perfect solution, but we have to take the first step in our work."
He said his main concern was the flavored additives in e-cigarettes. Representative Mike Johnson supported the bill, believing that e-cigarette companies are trying to get the younger generation addicted.
However, Representative Nicholas Muscarello Jr. was concerned about whether the flavors of cigarettes, such as menthol, would also be banned. Wheat said that these cigarette flavors would not be banned, but he noted that some neighboring states are already legislating against such flavors.
On the other hand, Heather Hutton, representing e-cigarette store owners, expressed opposition. She said her store had been in business for over 20 years, with only 2% of sales coming from menthol or tobacco products. She believes that enforcers should hold young people accountable, rather than banning such products in legal businesses. She also stated that the bill would harm the interests of smokers trying to quit.
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