AUGUSTA — Maine could ban electronic cigarettes on school grounds under a Democrat’s bill that faces a committee vote.
Sen. Rebecca Millett’s bill is set for a Wednesday work session.
Maine state law already prohibits tobacco use at any elementary or secondary school. Maine in 2015 prohibited the use of electronic cigarettes in the same public places where smoking is prohibited, such as restaurants, playgrounds and beaches.
Millett’s bill would explicitly prohibit possession of smoking devices such as electronic cigarettes, cigars, pipes and vape pens.
Cigarette smoking rates have stopped falling among U.S. kids, and health officials say vaping may be to blame.
Millet said many school boards have already incorporated a policy for e-cigarettes including flavored Juuls, which contain nicotine and can be hard for teachers to spot.
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