Minnesota has enacted a new law regarding the banning of e-cigarette use in schools and creates penalties for those who sell the electronic smoking devices to minors. The newly enacted law, which went into effect July 1, also mandates the devices be kept behind the counter in retail locations and as of later this year will require child-safety packaging.
Use of e-cigs will not be allowed at hospitals, doctor's office or healthcare clinics, not at any government buildings or facilities run by the University of Minnesota or Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (including dorm rooms); and licensed daycare facilities, including home daycares sites.
"Minnesota is leading the nation in taking steps to regulate e-cigarettes, which have the potential to addict youth to nicotine," said coalition co-chair Molly Moilanen, Director of Public Affairs at ClearWay Minnesota. "These reasonable restrictions will help to protect kids from the tobacco industry, which has a history of targeting youth."
According to a press release on the state law, a recent study showed a more than 250 percent increase in youth exposure to e-cigarette marketing between 2011 and 2013.
"The new restrictions are a step in the right direction," said Moilanen. "We applaud the many communities across the state that have gone further by prohibiting e-cigarette use in all indoor public places, including bars and restaurants. They are a model for others and we hope the state will follow their example next session."
The news comes as another state, New York, is mulling new legislation regarding e-cigarettes.
Last weekend a New York lawmaker called on the federal government to mandate childproof safety caps on the liquid nicotine containers used for e-cigarettes citing increased calls to poison control hotlines.
Democrat Charles Schumer claims the New York poison control centers have seen an up tick of calls, 70 so far this year, relating to accidental poisoning from the liquid nicotine. In 2013 there were 46 such calls, claims the lawmaker. Half of e-cigarette related poisonings have involved children under the age of 5 years old, said Schumer.
"With flavors like bubble gum and chocolate, it's no wonder children are attracted to e-liquid in the hopes that it's candy," said Schumer.
The use of e-cigarettes is under FDA review. The federal agency is considering rulemaking on marketing of the device. It is taking public comment on proposed rulemaking through August 8.
