Pennsylvania Legislature Proposes Banning Flavored Tobacco Products to Protect Youth

According to a report by The Center Square, lawmakers in the state of Pennsylvania, also known as the "Keystone State," are looking to take action in response to the increasing concern over flavored tobacco products. House Bill 1161 aims to expand existing federal restrictions and prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-cigarettes, in the state. The goal is to prevent youth from developing a smoking habit and the subsequent negative health effects that come with it.

Pennsylvania Representative Jeanne McNeill has introduced a bill that highlights the increasing popularity of flavored tobacco products, especially among adolescents and young adults. This is due to the use of flavors such as mint and fruit juice in cigarettes and cigars. Despite some studies suggesting that e-cigarettes may be less harmful than traditional cigarettes, McNeill argues that they give users a false sense of safety.

The bill will prohibit tobacco retailers from selling flavored tobacco products, e-cigarette products, or product additives, with a penalty of a $250 fine for each violation.

In 2009, the FDA banned the sale of flavored cigarettes, with the exception of menthol. They claimed that this led to a significant decrease in cigarette use among young people. However, this ban does not apply to other tobacco products such as cigars, smokeless tobacco, hookah, or e-cigarette products. However, the FDA is currently in the final stages of implementing a rule that would also prohibit the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.

As of February, Pennsylvania will introduce similar legislation along with at least 10 other states including Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.

The bill has been presented to the House Judiciary Committee, where during the meeting, the committee chairman, Tim Briggs, a Democratic representative from Prussia, stated that further research is needed on the proposal and it will be put on hold until meetings are arranged with stakeholders and McConnell.