E-Cigarette Ban for Alaska Youth Approved by Senate

JUNEAU — The Alaska Senate today unanimously approved a bill to prohibit electronic smoking devices for individuals under 19 years of age.

SB 15, sponsored by Sen. Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak), prohibits the possession, sale and exchange of electronic smoking devices for individuals under 19 years of age. The prohibition includes component liquid or vapor products, regardless of their tobacco or nicotine content.

“These products are often marketed as a means to reduce traditional tobacco consumption, or otherwise provide a safer alternative to the dangers of tobacco use,” said Sen. Stevens. “These untested inhalants, however, cannot possibly be good for our bodies.”

The possession or sale of products containing tobacco or nicotine is already prohibited for individuals under 19. The bill extends that prohibition to include electronic smoking devices and related products.

“It’s intuitive that vaping, like cigarette smoking, is inherently habit-forming,” said Sen. Stevens. “By continuing to not take action against this new trend, we send the message to our youth that these products are safe and appropriate to use, which is not the case.”

SB 15 is now on its way to the Alaska House of Representatives for consideration.