AUSTIN, Texas — On Monday, Texas state lawmakers considered bills that would toughen rules on e-cigarettes.
Those bills target how e-cigarettes are marketed to teenagers and aim to keep illegal vaping products off store shelves.
Lawmakers in the Senate State Affairs Committee heard from everyday Texans, some of whom drove hours to give lawmakers their two cents on four bills related to e-cigarettes.
Two bills, Senate Bill 1313 and Senate Bill 1314, ban cartoon-like images and other visuals appealing to minors, both on store signage and on nicotine-free vapes, respectively.
Another bill, Senate Bill 1316, blocks advertising for e-cigarettes within 1,000 feet of schools and churches.
But most of Monday’s hearing focused on Senate Bill 1698, which would create a directory of legal products.
Lawmakers heard from a store owner from North Texas and a Houston pediatrician with different views.
“Instead of investing in a costly, duplicative directory that includes unauthorized, untested and unsafe products, we urge the committee to use the FDA’s registry of authorized products,” said Dr. Sheela Gavvala with UT Health Houston, who opposes SB 1698.
“I make every effort to carry compliant products,” said Terry Lee, owner of Eagles Nest Travel Center in Brock, who supports SB 1698. “I should not be at a disadvantage against stores carrying hundreds of illegal imported vapor product.”
Lee said a registry would help his business avoid costly FDA fines, which he said can total up to $20,000 for noncompliance.
The Senate State Affairs Committee left all four bills related to e-cigarettes pending. That means they’ll need to vote later to advance them to the full Senate.