House amends vapor‑product law to restrict storefronts near schools; members cite youth vaping surge

Representative Freeman offered and the House adopted an amendment to HB 2359 that brings vape‑retail siting into parity with liquor‑store proximity limits (distance from schools, churches and other protected sites). Freeman told the chamber that vape shops are marketing flavored, brightly packaged products near schools and said school officials in her district have reported students purchasing and using vaping products on campus.

Representative Hawk, sponsor of the underlying bill, urged caution about implementation timing and said he preferred to continue refinements next year; the floor rejected a motion to table and proceeded to debate and adopt the amendment. Members including Representative Davis described recent medical incidents in schools related to vapes and urged swift action to protect students. Other members—concerned about the fiscal and legal consequences of forcing businesses to relocate or close—asked for fiscal notes and for additional implementation work in finance subcommittee.

The amendment was adopted on the floor and the bill was advanced for additional fiscal review and procedural steps before final passage.