Senator Molly Cook Files Legislation Package to Protect Texas Youth from the Dangers of E-Cigarettes

the senate of the state of texas
The Honorable Molly Cook
State Senator, District 15
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Daphne Alcala (512) 463-0115 February 28, 2025
Senator Molly Cook Files Legislation Package to Protect Texas Youth
from the Dangers of E-Cigarettes
HOUSTON, TX – On Monday, March 3, 2025, at 7:45 AM, Senator Cook will hold a press
conference outside of Wharton Elementary (900 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019) to announce a
legislative package to curb youth exposure to nicotine, hold tobacco retailers accountable, and
restrict their sale near schools and churches.
Senator Cook shared the following comments on her e-cigarette reform package, including five
bills that address key issues surrounding e-cigarette sales, advertising, and awareness:
"Every day, kids in my district pass e-cigarette ads near their schools and see colorful vape
products designed to catch their eye. Bright packaging, candy flavors, and cartoon mascots make
vaping look harmless, even fun. But nicotine addiction isn’t fun, and it isn’t easy to shake. In my
years as a nurse, I have seen young patients struggling with the health consequences of vaping.
The younger someone starts, the harder it is to quit, which is why we need sensible safeguards to
close loopholes that let the nicotine industry lure kids in early and set them up for a lifetime of
chemical dependency.”
The package includes five bills:
• SB 1313 – E-Cigarette Cartoon Signage Ban: Prohibits marketing that uses cartoon
characters, celebrity images, or packaging that mimics candy and other products appealing
to children.
• SB 1314 – Definition of E-Cigarette Products: Expands the legal definition of e-cigarette
products to include nicotine-free vaping substances, ensuring all harmful vaping products
are covered under state regulations.
• SB 1315 – Local Authority to Limit E-Cig Sales: Restores the authority of cities and
counties to regulate where smoke shops can be located, ensuring they are not placed near
schools, hospitals, and churches.
• SB 1316 – No E-Cig Ads Near Churches or Schools: Prohibits e-cigarette advertisements
within 1,000 feet of a church or school, aligning regulations with those already in place for
cigarettes and other tobacco products.

• SB 1317– No Minors in Smoke Shops: Bans unaccompanied minors from entering smoke
shops, enforcing accountability for retailers who allow youth access to these products.
The press conference is expected to include parents and public health advocates who can speak to
the impact of e-cigarette use among youth and are calling for stronger protections.
Members of the media, educators, and concerned families are invited to attend.
For media inquiries or to RSVP for the press conference, please contact:
Daphne Alcala
daphne.alcala@senate.texas.gov
(512) 463-0115