Jim Rosica
State Rep. Shawn Harrison has filed legislation that would prohibit “vaping” indoors in public places such as restaurants, stores and workplaces.
Harrison, a Tampa Republican, filed the bill (HB 1143) on Wednesday for consideration in the 2016 Legislative Session.
“Vaping” is the nickname for using an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette, which produces an inhaled vapor of nicotine solution.
The measure would amend the state’s Clean Indoor Air Act, first enacted in 1985, to include “inhaling, exhaling, carrying, or possessing a nicotine dispensing device” in the definition of “smoking.”
In 2003, the Legislature OK’d an addition to the law that bans smoking in workplaces. Also, Florida lawmakers in 2014 outlawed the sale of e-cigarettes to minors.
Harrison’s bill does not yet have a Senate companion.
The session begins Tuesday.
