A bill that would make it illegal to sell electronic cigarettes and similar vapor products to people younger than 18 was approved Thursday by the state House of Representatives.
The vote was 87-0,
Senate Bill 1602 had been amended in the House, so it will now go back to the Senate for consideration.
The bill was supported by both health professionals and the tobacco industry after compromise language was reached so that the bill is now essentially silent on whether electronic cigarettes should be classified as tobacco products — a designation that would have major taxation and regulatory consequences.
“I guess we’re putting our faith in the Food and Drug Administration” to make that determination, said state Rep. Doug Cox, R-Grove, who is a doctor.
