Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Government Accountability & Oversight Committee |
HB 1937
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Prohibiting a person from selling or giving a vapor product designed solely for smoking or ingesting tobacco to a minor.
Sponsors: Representatives Ross, Jinkins, Angel, Green, Harris, Cody, Morrell, Hope, Ryu, Schmick and Moscoso.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/21/13
Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).
Background:
A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if he or she participates in the selling or giving to a person under 18 years of age any type of tobacco-related product, including the following:
cigar;
cigarette;
cigarette paper or wrapper; or
tobacco in any form.
In recent years a new smoking product (vapor product) has been introduced that, generally, has the appearance of a cigarette and functions as a means of inhaling vapor that contains nicotine. However, unlike a cigarette, this vapor product neither contains tobacco nor involves combustion. Rather, it is a battery powered electronic device that heats a liquid nicotine solution, thus generating nicotine-laced vapor that can be inhaled by the user.
Summary of Bill:
"Vapor products" are added to the list of tobacco-related products that if sold or given to a person under the age of 18 makes the seller or giver guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.