OLYMPIA — A bill to crack down on the use of vapor and tobacco products among minors was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee. SB 5365, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), focuses on holding retailers and adults accountable for allowing minors to access tobacco products. The bill recognizes that minors who use these products may have a substance use disorder requiring professional healthcare support rather than punishment. “Protecting our youth from the harmful effects of tobacco and vapor products is a critical public health issue,” Saldaña said. “This new law focuses on prevention, rehabilitation, and accountability rather than punishment.” Current laws that aim to prevent youth from using vapor and tobacco products are not effective and have disproportionately negative ...
Read MoreAbout Rebecca
Sen. Rebecca Saldaña is the Washington State Senate Deputy Majority Leader and represents the 37th Legislative District. She is a proud Chicana of Mexican and Germanic roots who grew up in the Delridge neighborhood of Seattle and has lived and worked primarily in Seattle and Oregon.
During her tenure in the Senate, Rebecca has used her experience and expertise to spearhead legislative efforts to increase equity for historically oppressed communities, protect workers’ rights, encourage sustainable development, build equitable transportation solutions, and increase voter access to elections.
Read Rebecca’s full biography here.
