[R79] Bill regarding electronic cigarettes passes House (1/29/2013)

STATEHOUSE — State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) authored legislation regarding the sale of electronic cigarettes, which passed the Indiana House of Representatives on Tuesday with a 96-0 vote.

House Bill (HB) 1225 prohibits the sale of electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, to anyone under 18 years of age. This bill applies the same regulations to e-cigarettes that are already placed on regular cigarettes.
E-cigarettes are a non-tobacco, odorless product. They are identical to regular cigarettes except for the ash. With e-cigarettes, second hand smoke is not a threat but they are harmful to the person smoking them. They still contain nicotine, the addictive drug found in regular cigarettes.

“E-cigarettes are marketed to a younger audience because of their variety of flavors including chocolate and strawberry,” said Rep. Lehman. “Given their addictive nature, I believe that e-cigarettes should be subject to the same laws as regular cigarettes when it comes to minors.”

HB 1225 will move to the Senate for further discussion and debate. The Senate sponsor for the bill is Sen. Sue Glick (R-LaGrange).

To stay up-to-date on bills as they move through the legislative process, visit www.in.gov/legislative.

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Lehman_NR_HB1225.docx