Texas Senator Molly Cook has introduced bills to regulate tobacco and e-cigarette sales near schools, churches, and hospitals. Click2Houston reports that the legislation was prompted by concerns about a smoke shop near Wharton Dual Language Academy. "Every day, kids in my district pass e-cigarette ads near their schools and see colorful vape products designed to catch their eye," Cook said. One bill, SB 1317, will prohibit minors from entering smoke shops without a parent or guardian. Violations may result in fines of up to $500. The law takes effect on September 1.
These proposed laws were driven by community action in Montrose, where residents like Mehdi Rias grew concerned after a smoke shop with bright LEDs and a cartoon logo opened near Wharton Dual Language Academy. Rias told the Houston Chronicle, "Smoke shops are fine, but once they get very close to kids, that's where there's a conflict."
Senator Cook is proposing new legislation to regulate smoke shops similarly to alcohol sales, addressing concerns about their proximity to schools. "The smoke shop is right next to a school, so much so that if someone smokes on the back patio, the smoke can drift across to where the children are playing at recess. These parents are getting questions from their kids saying, 'Can we go into that shop? It looks fun in there," Cook said in an interview with Houston Chronicle. Houston officials have issued a notice of violation for a sign permit, and City Council Member Abbie Kamin stated that compliance efforts are ongoing. The proposed legislation, set for potential implementation on September 1, includes restrictions on underage access, advertisement limits near schools, and updated definitions of e-cigarette products.
