Health Committee to Review Legislation Regulating E-Cigarette Products Following Overturn of Flavored Vaping Ban

(Albany, NY) -- A bill to regulate e-cigarette products heads to the Health Committee for review after a state Supreme Court justice struck down the emergency ban on flavored vaping products. 

In a ruling issued this week in Albany, Acting State Supreme Court Justice Catherine Cholakis said regulating the vaping industry is a job for the state Legislature, not the executive branch.

Amid a multi-state outbreak of vaping-related illnesses, State Senator Kevin Thomas introduced legislation in September to prohibit the sale of certain refillable e-liquid products. The products, often obtained through unregulated vendors, can be refilled with illicit or unknown substances that could increase their potential for harm to the user. Additionally, e-liquids can contain higher concentrations of nicotine, which can produce serious health issues.

The bill (S.6697A) is scheduled to be reviewed by the Health Committee on January 14. 

“We have a responsibility to protect our children from unregulated, unsafe, and potentially dangerous products,” said Senator Thomas. “E-liquids are a hazardous product, and with the rising popularity of vaping among minors, our children have become the test subjects. My legislation aims to keep these products off the shelves and save lives.”  

Senator Kevin Thomas represents New York’s 6th Senatorial District in Nassau County. He presently serves as Chair of the Committee on Consumer Protection.