A Note From MIAAP E-Cigarette Champion Dr. Brittany Tayler- 9.20.24

Tell Lawmakers to Take Action on Tobacco Now!

The Michigan Senate has an opportunity to take meaningful action to protect children and adolescents from the harmful effects of tobacco and vaping.  However, there are a limited number of days for the legislature to take action on this package of bills before the legislative session ends for the year.

As a pediatrician, I have seen firsthand the devastating effects that tobacco use and vaping can have on children and adolescents. Prevention remains the most powerful tool we have to mitigate the long-term health consequences of these harmful habits. I also know that targeted public health interventions, such as comprehensive state regulations, can significantly reduce tobacco and vaping use among our youth.

Michigan has a proud history of enacting legislation designed to protect children from the dangers of smoking and vaping. However, tobacco companies continue to relentlessly adapt, finding new ways to target young people. To safeguard the health of our kids, Michigan must update its laws to address these evolving threats.

Senate Bills 647-654 represent a critical step toward strengthening Michigan’s ability to protect its children and communities from an industry that spends over $300 million annually in the state to maintain their customer base and hook the next generation.

A summary of the legislative package is as follows:

    • Ending the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-cigarettes and menthol-flavored cigarettes. (Senate Bills 649 and 650, Cherry)

    • Establishing statewide Tobacco Retail Licensing (TRL) to ensure tobacco sellers are held accountable for following laws, especially not selling tobacco to minors. (SBs 651 and 652, Singh)

    • Raising the price of all tobacco products, taxing e-cigarettes just like all other tobacco products and dedicating new funds to prevention and cessation services. (SB 648, Chang)

    • Restoring local control allowing municipalities to enact local policies on tobacco sales if they so choose. (SB 647, Shink)

    • Repealing ineffective penalties that punish kids for tobacco purchase, use, and possession. (SB 654, Wojno and SB 653, Cavanagh)

A detailed description of these bills can be found here

I urge you to support Michigan's children by backing Senate Bills 647-654. Let's ensure a healthier future for our kids.