ST. PAUL, Minn. – Despite rallying efforts at the Minnesota State Capitol, a bill seeking to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in the state is unlikely to pass this year. Advocates, including students, educators, and parents, gathered to show their support for the bill, emphasizing the need to reduce youth nicotine addiction. Pat McKone, Senior Director for Public Policy and Advocacy with the American Lung Association, highlighted the urgency of the issue, stating, “This needs to change and the change needs to happen now.”
The House version of the bill, authored by State Representative Ethan Cha, was not included in the House Commerce Committee’s recent omnibus bill. Instead, both chambers proceeded with the Senate’s version, which lacked language for the flavored tobacco ban. Rep. Cha remains hopeful, noting that the bill’s only chance lies in a conference committee between the House and Senate. However, it’s uncommon for new language to be adopted in such committees, typically focusing on reconciling existing differences.
Despite the potential setback, advocates are committed to continuing the fight against flavored tobacco products. Rep. Cha emphasized, “We will not stop until our children and communities are all safe.” If the bill does not pass this year, it is expected to be reintroduced next year. If eventually passed, Minnesota would become the third state, after California and Massachusetts, to ban all flavored tobacco products.