What is the New Vape Law in Texas? Everything You Need to Know

If you’re a student attending a public school in Texas, you might be interested to know that a new state law has been passed to crack down on vaping in schools. House Bill 114 was passed in the last regular session and aims to lead to stricter discipline for students caught vaping on school property. The new law will increase punishments for students caught vaping in school and make it punishable by mandatory assignment to a program for substance abuse prevention and education.

Beginning September 1, 2023, any Texas student caught vaping at school will face a harsher penalty under the new state law. This means that you will be subject to a mandatory assignment to a program for substance abuse prevention and education if you’re caught vaping on school property. The new law is part of a broader effort to address the growing problem of e-cigarette use among students, which has become a major concern for public health officials in recent years.

If you’re a student in Texas, it’s important to be aware of the new state law and the consequences of vaping on school property. The law is designed to protect public health and ensure that students are not exposed to harmful substances while at school. By understanding the new law and its implications, you can help to create a safer and healthier learning environment for yourself and your peers.

Overview of New Vape Law in Texas

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If you are a student or a parent in Texas, you should be aware of the new state law that aims to crack down on vaping in public schools. House Bill 114 was passed by Texas lawmakers in the last regular session, which will lead to stricter discipline for students caught vaping on school property.

Key Changes

Under the new law, any Texas student caught vaping at school will face a harsher penalty. House Bill 114 makes vaping punishable by mandatory assignment to a program for students who violate the school’s code of conduct. The law requires that students who sell, give, have, or use a vape within 300 feet of school property be sent to an alternative education program.

The new law is part of a broader effort to combat youth tobacco use in Texas. Senate Bill 21, which went into effect on September 1, 2021, increased the legal age for the sale, distribution, possession, purchase, consumption, or receipt of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or tobacco products from age 18 to 21 years old in the state.

Implementation Date

The new law went into effect on September 1, 2023. This means that any student caught vaping at school on or after this date will be subject to the new, stricter penalties. Schools will be required to update their code of conduct to reflect the new law, and students and parents should be aware of the changes.

It is important to note that the new law only applies to public schools in Texas. Private schools may have their own policies regarding vaping and e-cigarettes.

Overall, the new vape law in Texas is an important step in protecting the health and well-being of students. By cracking down on vaping in public schools, Texas lawmakers are sending a clear message that youth tobacco use will not be tolerated.

Impact on Vape Shop Owners

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If you own a vape shop in Texas, it’s important to understand the new vape law and how it affects your business. The law, which went into effect on September 1, 2021, imposes new regulations and penalties on vape shops that violate them.

Regulations

Under the new law, vape shops are required to:

• Obtain an e-cigarette retailer permit from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
• Verify the age of customers by checking a valid government-issued ID that shows they are at least 21 years old.
• Post signs in their stores stating that the sale of e-cigarettes, e-cigarette components, and e-liquid to anyone under 21 is prohibited by law.
• Prohibit customers from using e-cigarettes, e-cigarette components, and e-liquid on the premises of the store.
• Prohibit sales of e-cigarettes, e-cigarette components, and e-liquid through vending machines.

Penalties

If you violate the new regulations, you could face penalties, including:

• A fine of up to $500 for the first offense and up to $1,000 for each subsequent offense.
• Suspension or revocation of your e-cigarette retailer permit.
• Injunctions prohibiting you from selling e-cigarettes, e-cigarette components, and e-liquid.

It’s important to note that the new law also prohibits the sale of flavored closed-end system pods. If you sell these products, you could face penalties as well.

To avoid penalties, make sure you comply with the new regulations and obtain an e-cigarette retailer permit from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. By doing so, you can continue to sell e-cigarettes, e-cigarette components, and e-liquid to customers who are at least 21 years old and avoid the risk of fines, permit suspension or revocation, and injunctions.

Impact on Consumers

If you are a consumer of vaping products in Texas, you should be aware of the new laws that have been put into place. The new vape law in Texas has a significant impact on consumers, including age restrictions and purchasing limits.

Age Restrictions

One of the most significant changes that the new law brings is an increase in the legal age for purchasing vaping products. As of September 1, 2021, the legal age to purchase vaping products in Texas is 21 years old. This means that if you are under 21, you cannot legally purchase vaping products in Texas.

If you are caught purchasing vaping products while under the age of 21, you could face consequences such as fines, community service, or even jail time. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you are of legal age before purchasing any vaping products.

Purchasing Limits

Another change that the new law brings is purchasing limits. The new law limits the amount of vaping products that a consumer can purchase at one time. Consumers are now limited to purchasing one package of vaping products per transaction.

This means that if you want to purchase more than one package of vaping products, you will need to make multiple transactions. This can be inconvenient for some consumers, but it is important to follow the law and not exceed the purchasing limits.

Overall, the new vape law in Texas has a significant impact on consumers. It is important to be aware of the age restrictions and purchasing limits to avoid facing consequences.

Public Opinion

The new vape law in Texas has received mixed reactions from the public. Here are some of the opinions of the supporters and critics of the law:

Supporters

Many parents and educators support the new law as they believe it will help reduce the number of students vaping in schools. They argue that vaping is a serious health risk and can lead to addiction and other health problems. They also believe that students should not be allowed to use e-cigarettes on school grounds as it can be a distraction and disrupt the learning environment.

Moreover, supporters of the law believe that it will help prevent students from becoming addicted to nicotine. They argue that many young people start vaping as a harmless activity, but it can quickly lead to addiction and other harmful habits.

Critics

On the other hand, some critics of the new law argue that it is too harsh and will not solve the problem of vaping in schools. They believe that the law will only punish students who are caught vaping, but it will not address the root cause of the problem.

Critics also argue that the law may be difficult to enforce and may lead to unnecessary suspensions or expulsions. They believe that schools should focus on educating students about the dangers of vaping and provide them with resources to quit rather than punishing them.

Overall, the new vape law in Texas has sparked a debate about the best way to address the issue of vaping in schools. While some believe that the law is necessary to protect students’ health, others argue that it may not be the most effective solution.

Comparison with Other States

When it comes to vaping laws, Texas is not the only state with regulations in place. Here’s a quick comparison of Texas vape laws with a few other states:

• California: California has some of the strictest vaping laws in the country. The state has banned vaping in all workplaces, including restaurants and bars. Vaping is also prohibited within 1,000 feet of schools and youth centers. California also has a flavor ban in place, which prohibits the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and other vaping products.

• New York: New York has a complete flavor ban in place, which includes e-liquids and other vaping products. The state has also banned the sale of e-cigarettes to anyone under the age of 21. Vaping is prohibited in all indoor areas where smoking is banned, as well as within 100 feet of schools.

• Florida: Florida has banned the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping products to anyone under the age of 21. The state also prohibits vaping in enclosed indoor workplaces, including restaurants and bars. However, there is no statewide flavor ban in place.

Compared to these states, Texas’ new vape law is focused on cracking down on vaping in public schools. While the state does not have a complete flavor ban in place, students caught with e-cigarettes on school property will face mandatory assignment to a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP). The law is aimed at preventing students from vaping and ensuring that schools remain safe and healthy environments for students to learn and grow.

FAQs About the New Vape Law in Texas

If you’re a student or a parent in Texas, you may have questions about the new vape law. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

What is the new vape law in Texas?

The new vape law in Texas is House Bill 114. It aims to crack down on vaping in public schools by imposing stricter discipline for students caught vaping on school property or at school-related events. The law also requires that students who sell, give, have, or use a vape within 300 feet of school property be sent to an alternative education program.

When did the new vape law take effect?

The new vape law took effect on September 1, 2023.

What are the consequences for students caught vaping?

Under the new vape law, students caught vaping on school property or at school-related events will face tougher disciplinary action. They may be sent to an alternative education program, and their parents may be required to attend a disciplinary conference.

What should parents do if they suspect their child is vaping?

If parents suspect their child is vaping, they should talk to their child about the dangers of vaping and seek help from a healthcare professional or a school counselor. Parents can also reach out to local organizations, such as the Texas Quitline, for resources and support.

What can schools do to prevent vaping?

Schools can take several steps to prevent vaping, such as implementing education programs, enforcing strict disciplinary policies, and providing resources for students who want to quit vaping. Schools can also work with parents and community organizations to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping.

Where can I find more information about the new vape law in Texas?

You can find more information about the new vape law in Texas on the official website of the Texas Legislature or by contacting your local school district.