Vaping, smoking ages raised

A bill intended to reduce the use of vaping products by minors passed May 24.

LB149, introduced by Grand Island Sen. Dan Quick, raises the legal age from 18 to 19 for purchasing and possessing electronic nicotine delivery systems, flavored liquids containing nicotine and tobacco products.

Individuals younger than 19 who purchase or use tobacco, electronic nicotine delivery systems or flavored liquids containing nicotine will be guilty of a Class V misdemeanor and an individual selling or providing such products to those under 19 will be guilty of a Class III misdemeanor.

The bill does not apply to alternative nicotine products or devices that are not sold in combination with a substance containing nicotine, tobacco or tobacco derivatives.

LB149 was approved on a vote of 45-0.