Missouri lawmakers pass e-cigarette regulations

The General Assembly gave final approval Monday to legislation barring people younger than 18 from buying electronic cigarettes, while exempting the nicotine products from other tobacco sales restrictions, according to an Associated Press report.

The bill now awaits Gov. Jay Nixon's signature.

Supporters of the legislation say it protects teenagers from nicotine exposure until more is know about the product. The federal government is currently researching the effects of e-cigarettes on the human body.

According to the AP report, opponents said the measure wouldn’t go far enough to restrict access because it exempts e-cigarettes from some restrictions on tobacco sales and advertising, including the state’s 17 cent-per-pack cigarette tax. The bill states that e-cigarette sales should be subject to local and state sales taxes, but “shall not otherwise be taxed or regulated as tobacco products.”

An estimated 30 states have passed similar legislation.

Read more from the Associated Press.