It would be illegal to sell vaping products to minors under a pair of bills that won final passage in the state House of Representatives on Wednesday with wide bipartisan support.

The number of teenagers using vaping devices has increased significantly in the last year, according to a study done by the University of Michigan, which showed that 37.3% of 12th graders reported vaping in 2018 compared with 27.8% in 2017. More than 10% of eighth graders also said they had vaped nicotine in the last year. And reports of 12th graders vaping marijuana increased to 13.1% in 2018 compared with 9.5% in 2017.

“Our kids are not for sale," said state Rep. Isaac Robinson, D-Detroit. “I hope the governor signs this bill so we can send a message that we need to keep vape products out of the hands of children.”

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The bills prohibit retailers from selling or giving vapor products, like e-cigarettes, to anyone under the age of 18. Violating the law would be a misdemeanor that carries a fine of $100 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense and $2,500 for a third infraction.

Another bill would require that vaping products — which employ a heating element to produce vapor from nicotine or any other substance, including marijuana, and simulates smoking — be packaged in child-resistant containers and placed behind the counter of retail stores.

During testimony last month on the bills, Muskegon County Prosecutor D.J. Hilson said teen use of vape products had reached a crisis level.

“I’ve had every single district in Muskegon County reaching out asking what can we do about this,” he said. “If this doesn’t happen, you’re leaving schools hanging out to dry.”

The state Department of Health and Human Services also testified last month, saying they supported the intent of the legislation to keep vape products away from minors. But the department also would like vape products treated like tobacco, which is strictly regulated and taxed by the state.

Gov. Rick Snyder vetoed similar bills last year because he also wanted the products treated like tobacco.

The bills —SB 106 and 155 — passed on votes of 100-9 and 99-10 respectively. And after heading back to the Senate for a vote to give the measures immediate effect, the bills head to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Contact Kathleen Gray: 313-223-4430, kgray99@freepress.com or on Twitter @michpoligal.