Legislation would add e-cigarettes and marijuana to existing indoor smoking prohibition

Madison, WI – Today, Representatives Debra Kolste (Janesville) and Jeffrey Mursau (Crivitz) joined Senators Fred Risser (Madison) and André Jacque (De Pere), to introduce a bill that would add vapor products, such as e-cigarettes, and marijuana to the state’s indoor smoking ban.

“Updating the existing clean indoor air law to include vapor products and marijuana is good public health policy,” said Rep. Kolste. “This bill maintains the integrity of Wisconsin’s clean indoor air act.”

The bill has the support of the American Heart Association, the Wisconsin chapter of the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network, and Tobacco Free Kids.

“We’re grateful to have the support of these distinguished organizations,” said Rep Mursau. “We have built a strong coalition of bi-partisan legislators and advocates who understand the importance of this issue.”

Senator Risser was the lead Senate author of the statewide clean indoor air law that passed back in 2009.

“Ensuring that restaurants, workplaces, and other indoor public spaces are smoke free has been a great public health benefit to our state,” said Sen. Risser. “But the landscape of smoking products has changed dramatically in the last 10 years and our laws need to reflect that.”

Thirteen states have passed similar laws prohibiting vaping in all areas where cigarette smoking is prohibited. South Dakota became the most recent state after passing legislation last month.

“We have seen the U.S. Surgeon General for the last two Presidential administrations urge states and municipalities to ban vaping indoors,” said Sen. Jacque. “People should not have to be subjected to second-hand smoke of any kind when they are out in public.”

The bill began circulating for co-sponsors today and will be formally introduced later this month.

Contact:
Representative Debra Kolste (608) 266-7503

Representative Jeffrey Mursau (608) 266-3780

Senator Fred Risser (608) 266-1627

Senator André Jacque (608) 266-3512

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