South Dakota House passes bill that would regulate e-cigarettes; Senate passed measure about two weeks ago, now goes to governor for final review

Nevin Barich

PIERRE, South Dakota , March 11, 2014 (Associated Press) – The South Dakota House has passed a bill to regulate e-cigarettes.

Representatives voted 60-10 in support of the measure.

E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that resemble traditional cigarettes. They heat a liquid solution, creating vapor that users inhale to get nicotine without the smoke of regular cigarettes. The bill would treat e-cigarettes as tobacco products, prohibiting sale to minors.

One opponent of the measure says nicotine is similar to caffeine and the bill is a governmental overreach.

Supporters say the state has spent a lot of money discouraging nicotine use among young people. They say this bill could encourage addiction and the smoking of tobacco products.

The measure passed the Senate about two weeks ago. It will go next to Gov. Dennis Daugaard for final review.

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