AUSTIN — E-cigarettes would be off-limits for Texas minors to purchase under a proposal that the Legislature has approved and sent to Gov. Greg Abbott.
The Senate had previously passed the prohibition and voted 28-2 on Monday to endorse changes the House made when approving it. Abbott’s signature would make it law.
The proposal bans selling e-cigarettes to minors, as well as possession of the devices by Texans under 18.
E-cigarettes are battery-operated smoking devices that vaporize chemicals for inhalation.
The bill also directs state health officials to study c-cigarette use statewide.
Supporters pointed to federal studies indicating that children are now trying e-cigarettes more frequently than regular ones. Those opposed suggested the ban was “government overreach.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is also studying e-cigarettes, but doesn’t currently regulate them.
Photo courtesy: vaping360.com
