Council Passes 1st Reading of Flavored E-Cigarette Ban

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News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

Council Passes 1st Reading of Flavored E-Cigarette Ban

Jun 16, 2021, 11:58 AM by MSDC Staff

Legislation would prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products, which have been used to addict youth to cigarettes.

At Tuesday's meeting, the District Council held a 1st vote on B24-0020, which passed by a 9-3 margin. The bill, entitled the Flavored Tobacco Product Prohibition Amendment Act, would prohibit the sale and distribution of flavored electronic smoking devices in the District.

MSDC's Board voted a position of "support" for this bill earlier this year. MSDC remains concerned that flavored smoking devices are tools to increase nicotine addiction, and could increase smoking rates especially among young District residents. You can see all bills before the Council that MSDC is tracking here.

While the bill had overwhelming support, there was some concern expressed by Councilmembers. In an accepted amendment, the Council exempted hookah bars that receive a waiver for indoor smoking. Some Councilmembers pointed to a recent incident in Ocean City, MD, as a reason needed for the change. In addition, there was concern about enforcement of the bill, but the legislation places enforcement in the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, not the police.

The bill now goes to a second vote for passage. MSDC will be working to ensure it is included in a future Council agenda for passage.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.