With at least one death reported and 10 others suffering from vaping-related illnesses in Georgia, a state lawmaker from Gwinnett County plans to introduce legislation in the upcoming session to regulate vape and e-cigarette products.
Rep. Bonnie Rich (R-Suwanee), who has teenagers herself, worries about the accessibility of such products to young people. She wants ID required for all online purchases similar to requirements for purchasing wine.
“The delivery person verifies the ID, and I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t have similar legislation to have that same requirement with respect to vape products,” she tells WSB’s Sandra Parrish.
“There’s really only one reason that nicotine vape products would be flavored bubble gum, watermelon, and cherry; and that’s to market and appeal to children,” she says.
Rich also wants to ban flavored products that she believes target teenagers.
Rich also hopes to require some sort of licensing for vape shops.
She has already met with stakeholders in her district, including the Gwinnett County District Attorney, Solicitor General, Sheriff’s Department, Juvenile Court, State Court and Superior Court, to discuss the issue and is currently working to draft legislation with Rep. Gerald Greene (R-Cuthbert).