HOUSTON – Several bills filed by Texas Senator Molly Cook aim to tighten regulations on tobacco and electronic cigarettes.
One of the bills limits where smoke shops can operate; something KPRC 2 previously touched on when a Houston ISD parent was concerned about how close a smoke shop was to Wharton Dual Language Academy.
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Senator Cook joined KPRC 2+ Now at 7 a.m. to talk more about the bills and their importance, which you can find in the video above.
“Every day, kids in my district pass e-cigarette ads near their schools and see colorful vape products designed to catch their eye. Bright packaging, candy flavors, and cartoon mascots make vaping look harmless, even fun,” she said in a written statement. “But nicotine addiction isn’t fun, and it isn’t easy to shake. In my years as a nurse, I have seen young patients struggling with the health consequences of vaping. The younger someone starts, the harder it is to quit, which is why we need sensible safeguards to close loopholes that let the nicotine industry lure kids in early and set them up for a lifetime of chemical dependency.”
Here’s a look at the bills Senator Cook filed:
- SB 1317: This bill prohibits minors from entering smoke shops unless accompanied by an adult parent or guardian. Violation of this rule by smoke shop employees or owners is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
- SB 1316: This bill prohibits the advertisement of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or tobacco products within 1,000 feet of a church or school. Exceptions are made for signs that were already in place before September 1, 1997. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
- SB 1315: This bill allows counties and municipalities to prohibit the sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or tobacco products near certain locations, such as churches, hospitals, and schools. The prohibition does not apply to establishments where tobacco sales are less than 50% of total sales. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
- SB 1314: This bill expands the definition of e-cigarette products to include any substance intended for use in an e-cigarette, regardless of nicotine content. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
- SB 1313: This bill prohibits the use of certain images and signage in the advertising or marketing of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or tobacco products. It specifically targets imagery that appeals to minors, such as cartoon characters or food product likenesses. Violations are classified as a Class B misdemeanor. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
