The Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act, cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR), on Monday received approval from the U.S. House of Representatives.
“This legislation closes an internet loophole to help ensure that our youth can’t obtain e-cigarettes and nicotine products,” Rep. Womack said on Oct. 28 following action in the House.
The congressman is an original cosponsor of H.R. 3942 with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) to authorize the implementation of new safeguards, such as age verification requirements, that would prevent the online sale of electronic cigarettes to minors.
“Electronic cigarette use among minors has risen to alarming rates, and internet marketplaces provide easy access to these harmful products,” said Rep. Womack. “A child can’t walk into a store and purchase tobacco products, and the same rules should apply while shopping online.”
In fact, 2018 data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed an almost 80 percent increase between 2017 and 2018 in the number of high school students who reported using e-cigarettes.
CDC Director Robert Redfield recently reiterated the rising problem and its related health impacts to Rep. Womack and Arkansas medical experts during a tour to the congressman’s home-state Third District.
If enacted, H.R. 3942 would direct e-cigarette online retailers to verify the age of customers for all purchases; require an adult with identification to be present for delivery; label shipping packages to show that they contain tobacco products; and comply with state and local tobacco tax requirements, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Womack’s office.
In addition to Rep. Womack, H.R. 3942 has 31 other cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Doug Collins (R-GA), French Hill (R-AR), Jackie Walorski (R-IN), Michael Burgess (R-TX), and Rodney Davis (R-IL).