The Office of State Representative Jeffrey Snchez

The State House | Boston, MA 02133 Phone: (617) 722-2130 | Fax: (617) 722-2002 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 13, 2013 CONTACT: Katherine Lauretano katherine.lauretano@mahouse.gov (617) 610-6664

SNCHEZ RELEASES LEGISLATION ADDRESSING ECIGARETTES, OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Representative Jeffrey Snchez pens bill to modernize tobacco control and prevent youth access to tobacco products, nicotine delivery products BOSTONRepresentative Jeffrey Snchez, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health, released legislation today that would modernize and establish laws around tobacco and nicotine delivery products, which include electronic cigarettes, at the state level. Our current tobacco control laws are silent on electronic cigarettes and other nicotine delivery products, allowing minors to purchase e-cigarettes unless cities or towns take affirmative action to close the current loophole, Snchez said. Use of these products among Massachusetts youth has been on the rise. This bill addresses that. The bill adds comprehensive definitions for tobacco and nicotine delivery products; restricts the sale of any tobacco or nicotine delivery products to minors; and prohibits use of tobacco and nicotine delivery products on public school grounds. As the tobacco industry continues to innovate, we must make sure our laws and regulations keep pace. Currently, Massachusetts does not restrict youth access to electronic cigarettes, Snchez said. It is imperative we join 12 other states presently regulating these products, and protect our youth from starting a lifetime of tobacco and nicotine use. The legislation also restricts the distribution of tobacco or nicotine delivery product samples, and applies current public and workplace smoking bans to electronic cigarette use. A fact sheet detailing the provisions of the bill accompanies this release.
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