JUNEAU, Alaska—
Lawmakers are trying to close a loophole that makes it possible for Alaska minors to purchase products containing nicotine.Rep. Paul Seaton says tobacco companies are adding nicotine to products like mints, toothpicks and water.
Current law bans the sale of tobacco products to minors but says nothing about nicotine, which is the component that makes cigarettes and other tobacco products highly addictive.
Seaton says HB224 is an attempt to avoid a problem by enacting a ban before the products gain popularity in Alaska.
The bill cleared the House unanimously last year and made it through the Senate Health and Social Services committee on Wednesday. It next goes to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
