Montana panel hears hours of testimony on adding e-cigarettes to Clean Indoor Air Act

Summary

Sen. Willis Kurdy told the House Human Services Committee that Senate Bill 390 would revise the definition of "smoking" to include electronic smoking devices. Dozens of youth speakers and public-health groups urged passage; a cigar lounge owner and some business groups opposed expansion. No committee vote was recorded at the hearing.

Senator Willis Kurdy (Senate District 49) opened testimony on Senate Bill 390, saying the bill would “revise the definition of smoking in the Clean Indoor Air Act and provide for a definition of electronic smoke device.” The bill drew extensive testimony from students, medical professionals and public-health organizations urging the committee to include e‑cigarettes and similar devices in the state’s indoor smoking ban.

Supporters emphasized youth vaping rates and the health risks of aerosol exposure. “These products might seem harmless to some, but they release harmful chemicals that can affect not just the person using them, but the people around them,” seventh grader Ava Carlisle told the committee. Student speakers described widespread use in schools and said the bill would reduce normalization of vaping among children.

Medical witnes…

Montana panel hears hours of testimony on adding e-cigarettes to Clean Indoor Air Act

Summary

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