Jun. 02, 2015
HARRISBURG — Legislation sponsored by Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Crawford/Forest) to prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes and other related “vaping” products to minors was unanimously advanced by the House Judiciary Committee today for consideration on the House floor.
“We have learned our lesson well from the tobacco industry,” said Rapp. “Companies can and do target kids without regard for their health and well-being if a profit can be made. It is imperative that the Legislature act now to keep these adult-only products out of our children’s hands by adopting
House Bill 954.
“E-cigarettes,” sometimes known as “vape pens,” are used to deliver nicotine and other substances into the body in the form of a vapor. The products come in a variety of flavors, which may increase their appeal to minors. Touted as harmless by enthusiasts, medical experts have warned that there may be serious concerns over the unproven safety claims of these products. There is also concern that “vaping” may lead to other dangerous experimentation.
House Bill 954 would amend add “nicotine delivery products” to the list of tobacco products that are illegal to sell to minors, including electronic cigarettes. It would still be legal to sell e-cigarettes and vape pens in Pennsylvania – just not to children. The penalties would be the same as under current law for selling cigarettes and other traditional tobacco products to minors.
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Representative Kathy Rapp
65th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Ty McCauslin
717.772.9979
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