Requires safety warnings, ingredients listing, doubles fine for selling to minors

OLYMPIA — The Washington State House of Representatives today approved a bill to reduce youth access to vapor products with a bipartisan vote of 74-20. The state Senate had previously passed the legislation — which combined multiple proposals, including agency request legislation from Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Governor Jay Inslee, as well as a bill introduced by Sen. Bruce Dammeier (R-Puyallup) — in a 37-6 vote.

Senate Bill 6328 now heads to the Governor’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law.

“This bill is an important step in protecting our kids from a largely unregulated industry,” Ferguson said upon passage in the Senate yesterday. “By increasing enforcement and labeling requirements, we increase public safety and empower consumers to make informed decisions on what they consume.”

Further details about the legislation are available in the Attorney General’s Office’s media release issued following the Senate vote.

Ferguson reiterated his thanks to the coalition of advocates and lawmakers whose work made today’s legislation possible: Gov. Inslee, Secretary of Health John Wiesman, the American Cancer Society, Rep. Gerry Pollet (D-Seattle), Sen. David Frockt (D-Seattle), Sen. Dammeier, Rep. Eileen Cody (D-Seattle), Sen. Annette Cleveland (D-Vancouver) and Rep. Paul Harris (R-Vancouver).

Legislative Affairs Director Mike Webb and Assistant Attorneys General Rusty Fallis and Janis Snoey worked to draft the original agency request legislation and craft the final bill passed today.

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The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the state of Washington with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards and commissions. Attorney General Bob Ferguson is working hard to protect consumers and seniors against fraud, keep our communities safe, protect our environment and stand up for our veterans. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

Contacts:

Peter Lavallee, Communications Director, (360) 586-0725; PeterL@atg.wa.gov