House approves bill to ban vaping in schools

A bill to prohibit tobacco and nicotine vapor products in public schools passed the House today.

The bill, HB2384, which passed with a 85-14 vote, requires school boards to develop and put in place a policy to prohibit the use and distribution of tobacco products and nicotine vapor products on school buses, school property and school-sponsored events.

Current law requires school boards to place these restrictions only on electronic cigarettes. The new requirements are a response to the nationwide rise in teenage vaping.

Judy McKiernan, director of student support services for Winchester Public Schools, said schools have seen a rise in teenagers using nicotine products such as the electronic cigarette, Juul.McKiernan said the bill resembles a policy that Winchester Public Schools have adopted called the 24/7 rule, which bans the use of tobacco and nicotine products on school grounds.

“I’m thrilled to see this bill,” McKiernan said. “We need to make sure there is a consistent message across the state regarding the harmful effect of nicotine.”

John J. Lamanna, chairman of Frederick County School Board, said the issue of teenage vaping has not yet been brought to the attention of the school board. But he is still aware of the issue.

“I believe it is certainly bad for our kids and without question a health hazard,” he said.

Del. Christopher E. Collins, R-Winchester, voted to pass the bill.

Banning nicotine vapor products “seems to make sense,” he said. “It works together with our overall goal of children’s health.”