Dominican Deputies Send E-Cigarette Regulation Bill Back to Committee
The Chamber of Deputies has sent the bill regulating the sale of non-combustible nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, back to committee during today’s session. The decision came after opposing views from deputies Selinée Méndez, Charly Mariotti Jr., Ignacio Aracena, and Soraya Suárez.
Several legislators from various parties expressed outrage over the negative impact e-cigarettes are having, particularly on children. They also raised concerns about the influence of individuals who establish themselves near educational centers to promote the use of e-cigarettes and create addiction.
Deputy Selinée Méndez emphasized the need for minors’ protection, as they are unaware of the serious harm these products cause. “E-cigarettes are causing great harm to minors and adults alike. As legislators, we have a responsibility to pay attention to what is happening in our country because the damage e-cigarettes do to our children is very detrimental to their health, turning them into addicts,” Méndez stated.
Deputy Charlie Mariotti Jr. explained that the bill was born after a campaign visit to a friend’s house, where he learned about the harmful situation e-cigarettes have been causing among children in her area. He cited reports from international institutions indicating that children as young as 11 and 12 are already addicted to smoking, affecting their mental health and brain development.
Deputy Ignacio Aracena praised the work of the Permanent Commission of Industry and Commerce but highlighted the need to combat not only e-cigarette consumption but also the individuals who offer “vapes” to children aged 8, 12, and 13 near schools, sometimes introducing prohibited substances to create potential consumers.
Deputy Soraya Suárez proposed sending the bill back to committee, arguing that “regularizing” e-cigarettes would only encourage their use without addressing the problems. She cited the example of the hookah law, which she lamented has not been enforced.
Suárez criticized the bill’s “nice but misleading” title and urged fellow lawmakers to study the report presented by the Pneumology Health Society to Congress, which she described as “fatal” for users of these products. She recommended creating a law to ban e-cigarettes outright, using the project submitted by former deputy Juan Dionisio Restituyo as a basis.
Following the comments and recommendation from Deputy Soraya Suárez, President Alfredo Pacheco put forward a motion under Article 121, Section 6, to send the bill back to committee. The motion was overwhelmingly approved, with 122 votes in favor and one against.
As the debate surrounding e-cigarette regulation continues, lawmakers emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that prioritizes the health and well-being of the Dominican population, especially youth. The bill’s future now lies in the hands of the committee, which will further study the issue and consider the input provided by various stakeholders.
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