FINAL BILL REPORT

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.

C 47 L 13

Synopsis as Enacted

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.

House Committee on Government Accountability & Oversight

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

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:

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:

"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.

"Vapor product" means a noncombustible tobacco-derived product containing nicotine that employs a mechanical heating element, battery, or circuit, regardless of shape or size, that can be used to heat a liquid nicotine solution contained in cartridges.

Votes on Final Passage:

House

96

0

Senate

46

1

Effective:

July 28, 2013