New York Lawmakers Call for Legal Changes to Ban Vaping in Schools

Members of the New York State Assembly have adjusted legislation calling for a formal ban on e-cigarettes in schools across the state. Assemblyman Scott Gray introduced legislation (A.8069) that prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in state educational institutions, requires schools to educate the community about the health risks associated with e-cigarettes, and mandates the posting of signs prohibiting e-cigarettes in schools and universities.

According to a report from The Post Journal on November 7, two New York State lawmakers are calling for legislative adjustments to ban e-cigarettes in schools.

Assemblyman Scott Gray introduced legislation (A.8069) that prohibits the use of e-cigarettes in state educational institutions, requires schools to educate the community about the health risks associated with e-cigarettes, and mandates the posting of signs prohibiting e-cigarettes in schools and universities.

Gray stated, "E-cigarettes pose a serious threat to the health and well-being of New York's youth. Nearly a quarter of high school students in New York are using e-cigarettes."

The passage of this new bill will provide legal support for anti-youth e-cigarette initiatives, as part of a multi-state settlement agreement, New York State received $112.7 million from e-cigarette manufacturer JUUL.

Just a month prior, Jamestown public schools voted to accept $22,481 in compensation from JUUL as part of a class-action lawsuit stemming from JUUL's misleading marketing of its products to attract young consumers.

It is reported that the compensation managed by the school district may be used for student anti-smoking education and to purchase e-cigarette smoke detectors.