Louisiana bill would ban e-cigarettes sales in state to anyone under age 18

Nevin Barich

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana , February 20, 2014 (Associated Press) – A Ruston lawmaker wants to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes to anyone under 18.

Sen. Rick Gallot, a Democrat, has introduced the bill for consideration in the legislative session that begins March 10.

It would add e-cigarettes and other "alternative nicotine products" to the list of items that can't be sold to minors in Louisiana.

E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that provide users with aerosol puffs that typically contain nicotine, and sometimes flavorings like fruit, mint or chocolate. Users get their nicotine without the chemicals, tar or odor of regular cigarettes.

Health groups disagree on whether the products carry serious health risks.

The National Conference of State Legislatures says at least 27 states have banned the sale of e-cigarettes to minors.

Senate Bill 12 can be found at www.legis.la.gov

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