A pair of Republican state lawmakers want to make it illegal for minors to vape in New Jersey.

A bill introduced Tuesday would bar anyone under the age of 21 from possessing electronic smoking devices, also known as e-cigarettes or vapes.

It’s already illegal in the Garden State to sell tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to those under 21. New Jersey became the third state to enact such a ban when Gov. Chris Christie signed the law in 2017.

But the sponsors, Assembly members BettyLou DeCroce and Anthony M. Bucco, both R-Morris, said nothing prohibits minors from actually possessing such devices.

“We need to do more to protect our youth from the harmful effects of nicotine products like e-cigarettes and vapes,” DeCroce said. “The popularity of electronic smoking devices among our youth is growing at an alarming rate.”

Studies have shown vaping among teenagers has risen in recent years. The National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 37 percent of 12th graders in America vaped in 2018, compared to 28 percent the year before.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that vaping is dangerous for kids, teens, and young adults and make them more likely to smoke cigarettes.

Under this bill, those who violate the statute would face a fine. It’s not specified how much it would be.

The measure would need to be passed by both the Democratic-controlled state Senate and Assembly and signed by Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy to become law.

It’s unclear whether this bill will even come up for a vote. State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-Middlesex, decides which measures get posted in his chamber.

Spokeswoman Liza Acevedo said Tuesday that Coughlin is “reviewing the legislation at this time.”

This legislation follows on the heels of Evesham Township, which established an ordinance last year banning those under 18 from possessing e-cigarettes in the South Jersey town. Morris Township recently introduced an ordinance that would ban those under the age of 21 from vaping.

Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01.

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