AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) The Maine Legislature is considering a bill designed to cut down on youth smoking by prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products.
Democratic Sen. Rebecca Millett of Cape Elizabeth proposed the bill. She says the products use “enticing flavors, colorful packaging and lower prices” to get teenagers hooked on smoking at a young age.
The proposal was the subject of a public hearing before the Legislature’s Committee on Health and Human Services on Monday. It would need approval from the committee and the full legislature.
Millett has also sponsored a bill to prohibit possession and use of electronic smoking devices on school grounds. She cites the state’s high rate of teen e-cigarette and nicotine use as evidence the state needs to step in to curb smoking.
