Puerto Rico House Passes Bill Banning Vape Sales Near Schools
The Puerto Rico House of Representatives has approved House Bill 385, a measure aimed at significantly strengthening restrictions on the sale of electronic cigarettes and prohibiting vaping in and around school environments. The bill, introduced and championed by Representative Edgar Robles Rivera, seeks to create a healthier environment for students by limiting their exposure to these products.
A key provision of the legislation is a ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes within a 500-meter radius of all elementary, middle, and high schools. “The sale of e-cigarettes near schools unnecessarily exposes our youth to addictive products. This measure closes that gap and reinforces our commitment to a healthier school environment,” stated Robles Rivera. The bill also updates the legal definitions of “e-cigarette” and “minor” and standardizes packaging warnings and violation penalties to align with U.S. FDA guidelines.
The legislation establishes clear and substantial penalties for businesses that fail to comply with the new sales restrictions. Violators could face fines of up to $10,000 and a 12-month suspension of their retail license. “With this, we’re sending a strong message: the sale of these products in school zones will not be tolerated,” the representative added.
The measure has received endorsements from key government agencies, including the Department of Education, which noted it will help create vaping-free schools, and the Department of Family Affairs, which stated it aligns with efforts to prevent addiction among minors. The Office of the Budget concluded the bill would have no negative fiscal impact on the treasury. The measure will now advance to the Puerto Rican Senate for further evaluation and final approval.
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