Governor Baker signs vital new bill to combat youth tobacco use

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Governor Baker signs vital new bill to combat youth tobacco use

                                                                Health advocates applaud the measure

BOSTON — Governor Baker signed a critical bill today aimed at stemming the youth vaping epidemic. “An Act to Modernize Tobacco Control” is the first state law that prohibits the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, menthol cigarettes and chewing tobacco. It’s a major step to protect youth because four out of five kids who have used tobacco started with a flavored product. The bill passed both houses of the legislature by an overwhelming majority.

The new law will also tax tobacco vaping products at the same rate as cigarettes, increase retailer fines for sales to minors, and provide for insurance-covered cessation tools.

MASSPIRG Legislative Director Deirdre Cummings released the following statement on the bill signing

“Unfortunately, when it comes to youth tobacco use, vaping is proving that history can repeat itself. But Massachusetts legislators rose to the challenge. Banning the sale of all flavored products will protect our children’s health from the e-cigarette epidemic that is currently choking our country.

“Governor Baker signing the bill into law today solidifies Massachusetts as a national leader in combating youth tobacco use.”

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staff | TPIN

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