Developing Policy Recommendations on e-Cigarette Use in New York State

• Convened a group of approximately 30 national and local experts and other stakeholders to discuss the main inquiries related to ENDS: (1) youth access, (2) tobacco cessation, and (3) health effects; and
• Generated the following evidence-based priority recommendations for State and local decision-makers to consider when creating policies to reduce the negative consequences of ENDS use:
  • Include all tobacco and ENDS products in the New York Clean Indoor Air Act;
  • Increase the legal age for purchases of all tobacco products, including ENDS, to 21;
  • Increase the tax rate on ENDS and e-liquids and bring ENDS taxes into parity with other tobacco products;
  • Invest in public health education about ENDS products; and
  • Maximize education and support for and access to FDA-approved cessation strategies for consumers and health care practitioners.

Using the recommendations from the ENDS summit, NYSPHA published a policy brief, “Policy Recommendations to Address the Problem of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) in New York State,” in June 2017. NYSPHA sent a press release to relevant stakeholders throughout the State; shared the brief with approximately 12 State legislative correspondents; and distributed the brief to media and key decision-makers in Albany. It also disseminated the brief via the State’s tobacco control contractor network and partners and to NYSPHA members and contacts.

Since the release of the ENDS policy brief, there has been significant legislative progress at the State level. In July 2017, Governor Cuomo signed a bill banning the use of ENDS at all public and private schools in New York State. A bill to raise the legal age of tobacco consumption in New York State to 21—which would include ENDS—has passed the New York State Assembly and currently remains in the Senate. In October 2017, Governor Cuomo signed a bill prohibiting the use of ENDS in any public indoor spaces, such as workplaces, restaurants, and bars.  

Co-Funding and Additional Funds Leveraged: N/A