Bill regulating vapor industry gets governor’s signature

A state Senate bill regulating vapor products was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Jay Inslee.

Vaping – using battery-operated e-cigarettes to inhale vapor containing nicotine and other chemicals – had been unregulated since the industry started about 10 years ago.

The bill focuses on preventing minors from using vapor products. It calls for child-proof packaging, warning labels and signage prohibiting sales to minors.

It also puts vapor products under the umbrella of the state Liquor and Cannabis Board. That means vapor retail stores must pay for additional licenses.

The bill does not add an excise tax to vaping products.