by Timothy Page
A Senate bill introduced on April 18 would limit smoking in public-use spaces.
S.147 would “prohibit smoking cigarettes or using electronic cigarettes within 25 feet of any place of public access or of a multiunit dwelling.” This specifically does NOT include “the use of tobacco substitutes in a business that does not sell food or beverages but is established for the sole purpose of providing a setting for patrons to purchase and use tobacco substitutes and related paraphernalia” such as vape shops. Cannabis products are not mentioned in the bill’s restrictions.
S.147 is the Senate’s “companion” (i.e. virtually identical) bill of H.69, which was introduced back on January 19 by Rep. Karen Dolan (D-Essex Junction) to the Human Services House committee. S.147 was sponsored by Sen. Irene Wrenner (D-Chittenden, also from Essex) and referred to the Senate Committee for Health and Welfare.