AUSTIN, TX - Governor Greg Abbott signed into law S.B. 97 by Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa that relates to the sale, distribution, possession, and use of e-cigarettes. S.B. 97 prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes to any person younger than 18 years of age and prohibits any person younger than 18 years of age from possessing or using an e-cigarette.

Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes or vape pens, are battery-powered vaporizers that turn nicotine, flavor, and other chemicals into an aerosol that is then inhaled by the user. These products pose a great risk for teens in particular, as adolescence is a critical point in the development of nicotine addiction. E-cigarettes are often marketed as a safe alternative to conventional tobacco cigarettes, but nicotine in any form - smokeless, combustible, or electronic - is highly addictive and can have adverse effects on adolescent brain development.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"I am glad that Governor Abbott signed this important piece of legislation into law. Teens now use e-cigarettes more than any other tobacco product, including conventional tobacco cigarettes.

Governor Abbott's approval of S.B. 97 allows Texas to join the 41 other states that already prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes or alternative tobacco products to minors due to the potentially harmful health consequences and the addictive nature of the nicotine in e-cigarettes."

###