ST. PAUL, MN – Today, State Representative Phyllis Kahn (DFL – Minneapolis) announced plans to introduce a bill during the 2014 legislative session that would add electronic cigarettes to the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act (MCIAA).
Kahn, who authored the MCIAA in 1975, said including e-cigarettes in the landmark legislation would bring greater consistency to regulations for a product facing growing scrutiny from the medical community and public health advocates.
“Right now, we’ve got a patchwork system where local governments and even individual businesses make their own rules,” said Kahn. “It’s creating a lot of confusion. My bill removes any doubt as to where e-cigarettes can be used by applying the same regulations we have for traditional tobacco products.”
Cities from Ely to Hopkins have enacted temporary moratoriums on indoor e-cigarette use, while others like Mankato have decided to postpone decisions on whether or not to regulate the product. In the private sector, big names like the Minnesota Twins have taken matters into their own hands by banning e-cigarette use at Target Field.
“I think our cities and businesses are looking to the state of Minnesota for leadership on this issue,” added Kahn. “We can remove a lot of the confusion we’re seeing right now and bring more stability to this growing market.”
Upon its enactment in 1975, the MCIAA became the first law in the nation to ban smoking in public places. Some consider it a model for similar laws passed in other states.
Minnesota lawmakers later amended the legislation in 2007 to include the Freedom to Breathe Act, which further prohibited smoking in public places and at public meetings, and banned “designated smoking areas.” The act also prohibited smoking in places of employment, like restaurants and bars, and in public transportation.
“Our state is a leader when it comes to public health,” said Kahn. “My bill continues that tradition.”
The 2014 legislative session kicks off next year on February 25.