anuary 15, 2020, Sen. Renee Unterman (R – Buford) introduced a piece of legislation which outlines new restrictions on the use, sale and marketing of alternative nicotine products, such as vapor devices or vapor cartridges. The bill, Senate Bill 298, would also require local boards of education to include mandatory instruction in schools on vaping and smoking, in addition to alcohol and drugs.

“This bill is all about protecting our children from the harmful effects associated with the use of vaping products,” said Sen. Unterman. “By increasing the age required to purchase these products and prohibiting these companies from using deceptive advertising to appeal to minors, we are putting additional safety nets in place to prevent our children from using these kinds of products. The education component is essential, so students can learn from an early age the dangers that exist when using vaping products. I am following President Trump’s lead in changing laws about vaping and especially about protecting our children from the dangers of vaping. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the General Assembly to see this bill become law.”

Senate Bill 298 would raise the minimum age to purchase vapor products to 21, and would prohibit the sale of any vapor product which does not have a printed label of ingredients and any vapor product with packaging made to be attractive to minors. The bill would also require local boards of education to create a course of study outlining the dangers associated with vaping to be implemented by September 1, 2020. SB 298 will be assigned to a committee later this morning.