SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The Latest on proposed e-cigarette and tobacco reforms in New Mexico (all times local):
9:50 a.m.
A New Mexico bill that would prohibit the use of e-cigarettes in areas where traditional smoking is banned is advancing in the Legislature over the objections of Republican lawmakers.
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The bill advanced past a state House committee on a vote of 5-3.
The proposal also would extend the state’s smoking restrictions to additional workplaces including non-tribal casinos and racetrack gambling venues.
Republican Rep. Zack Cook of Ruidoso says tribal casinos would gain an unfair advantage over nearby smoke-free casinos if the bill were approved.
The bill also would prohibit after-hours smoking at daycare centers to prevent infants and children from coming into contact with tobacco residue that settles on surfaces.
Smoking even would be banned at some tobacco stores if they share ventilation with adjacent workplaces.
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7 a.m.
The New Mexico Legislature is considering whether to impose taxes on e-cigarettes and restrict where they can be used.
Proposed legislation scheduled for its first hearing Monday would include e-cigarettes in the definition of tobacco products and at the same time increase taxes on those products.
A bill from Democratic state Reps. Andrea Romero of Santa Fe and Liz Thomson of Albuquerque would nearly double taxes on most 20-packs of cigarettes to $3.16, and increase excise taxes on other tobacco products from 25 percent to 76 percent.
A separate bill would prohibit vaping in areas where traditional tobacco smoking is prohibited.
U.S. health officials recently announced an epidemic in e-cigarette use among youths. Recent U.S. figures show e-cigarette products are now the top high-risk substance used by teens.
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