LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Vaping inside restaurants, stores and other public buildings could soon be banned under a bill Nebraska lawmakers advanced Thursday.
The measure moved through the first of three required votes, 31-2.
Sen. Dan Quick, of Grand Island, said he introduced it to protect non-smokers from potential health risks from the vapors each device produces. Retail outlets that sell vaping devices would be exempt.
Some lawmakers argued the measure was too broad and could unintentionally including items such as humidifiers. They also argued that recent deaths from vaping were caused by people vaping marijuana, not using the regulated cartridges sold in stores.
Quick said he plans to continue working on the bill before lawmakers consider it for final approval. Two additional votes are required before it goes to the governor.
