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The Oregon Legislature passed a bill intended to keep vapes and e-cigs out of the hands of teenagers.
THE ISSUE: Oregon raised the smoking age to 21, but the use of vape products has proliferated among teenagers.
THE BILL: House Bill 2261
WHAT IT DOES: Prohibits the remote sale of vapes or other inhalant delivery systems in Oregon.
WHY IT WAS PROPOSED: It’s illegal for teens to buy cigarettes. But a loophole allows them to purchase electronic cigarettes, e-cigs or vapes online.
HOW THE MARION/POLK DELEGATION VOTED:
The bill passed the Oregon Senate May 26 on a 24-5 vote.
Sen. Brian Boquist, I-Dallas: No
Sen. Peter Courtney, D-Salem: Yes
Sen. Fred Girod, R-Lyons: No
Sen. Deb Patterson, D-Salem: Yes
Sen. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer: Excused
The bill passed the Oregon House April 9 on a 44-4 vote.
State Rep. Teresa Alonso León, D-Woodburn: Excused
State Rep. Brian Clem, D-Salem: Excused
State Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth: No
State Rep. Rick Lewis, R-Silverton: Yes
State Rep. Raquel Moore-Green, R-Salem: Yes
State Rep. Mike Nearman, R-Independence: Excused
Sate Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer: No
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: The bill now goes to the governor for her approval.
-Jake Thomas
