LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday signed into law legislation that aims to reduce vaping among Michigan teens.
“This is a debate that started long before this legislative term,” said Sen. Rick Outman, R-Six Lakes, who sponsored one of the two bills. “After a veto from the previous administration, I am happy we were finally able to get this done in a bipartisan fashion.”
Senate Bills 106 and 155, sponsored by Outman and Sen. Marshall Bullock, would prohibit a person from selling or giving a vapor product or alternative nicotine product to a minor and increase the monetary penalty for doing so. Federal law already prohibits the sale of vapor products to minors. However, there is no law in Michigan that prevents minors from possessing such products.
Under the legislation, nicotine products would have to be stored behind the counter or in a locked case. Violators would face a civil infraction and a fine of $500. Stores that sell e-cigarettes and other nicotine would have to have signage explaining the law and would have to ask for the identification of anyone attempting to purchase these products.
“I joined Senator Bullock in sponsoring these bills simply to keep these items out of the hands of kids under the age of 18,” Outman said. “Parents, teachers and administrators have all voiced their concerns that this is getting out of control to the point where we risk losing our grip on the situation. Years of inaction has led to Michigan falling behind other states, and I am glad to see we finally have some guidelines on the books.”
The bills will take effect 90 days from the legislation’s enactment.
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