Lawmaker Wants Rhode Island to Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes

A lawmaker in Rhode Island plans to introduce a bill to ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes.

Rep. Julie Casimiro says she’s planning to propose a ban after the new legislative session begins in January. She says the products need to be removed from store shelves “for the health and safety of our children.”

The North Kingstown Democrat will model her legislation after a ban imposed in Michigan last Wednesday . Retailers there were given two weeks to comply.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Sept. 4 that Michigan would become the first state to move toward banning flavored e-cigarettes, accusing companies of using candy flavors and deceptive advertising to appeal to kids.

But New York officially became the first state when regulators there approved emergency rules Tuesday.

Topics Legislation Michigan