It would be a $50 fine to sell electronic cigarettes to minors under a bill that cleared the state Senate on Wednesday.
Critics say the misdemeanor and fine imposed under Senate Bill 231 won’t go far enough to limit e-cigarettes sales.
But bill sponsor state Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, says it’s a start.
“We will soon be the only state that allows stores to sell electronic cigarettes to minors. This has got to stop. We don’t want kids to get addicted to nicotine,” Jones told reporters after the vote.
“The FDA hasn’t found anything wrong with it at this time. So let’s let them do their job. And let’s make sure children can’t buy this product. That’s what we’re really doing here.”
Gov. Rick Snyder has already vetoed similar legislation, saying it didn’t go far enough. He says e-cigarettes should be regulated and taxed as a tobacco product.
Jones acknowledges the governor is likely to veto again.
“Maybe it’s time for an override,” he said.
And there may be enough support in the Legislature to override a veto. The Senate unanimously approve the bill – although Sen. Virgil Smith, D-Detroit, was absent.
The Senate also unanimously approved a bill that would ban powdered alcohol in Michigan. Both bills now go to the state House.
