Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1316

Filed

2/14/25

Out of Senate Committee

4/7/25

Voted on by Senate

4/10/25

Out of House Committee

4/29/25

Voted on by House

5/7/25

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to a prohibition on e-cigarette advertising in certain locations.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it will effectively amend existing statutes in the Health and Safety Code concerning the advertising of tobacco products. The amendments would specifically include e-cigarettes under the same regulations that apply to traditional cigarette advertising. This represents a significant step in Texas's efforts to combat tobacco use among young people and can influence local governments to follow suit with similar restrictions, aiming to decrease the visibility of tobacco products in areas frequented by youth.

Summary

Senate Bill 1316 aims to prohibit the advertising of e-cigarettes and tobacco products within a specified distance from schools and churches, specifically setting a minimum distance of 1,000 feet. This measure seeks to mitigate the exposure of minors to tobacco advertising, thereby promoting public health and safeguarding youth against the enticing nature of tobacco products. The intent behind this legislation is aligned with broader public health campaigns aimed at reducing smoking rates and preventing smoking initiation among young people.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1316 has been broadly supportive among public health advocates who view the restrictions as necessary for protecting children and fostering healthier community environments. However, there has been some opposition from businesses and stakeholders within the tobacco industry, who argue that such restrictions infringe upon free speech and limit their marketing opportunities. The legislative discussions reflected an ongoing tension between public health interests and economic considerations regarding personal choice and business rights.

Contention

A notable point of contention raised during the discussions was the balance between protecting public health and the rights of businesses and consumers. Opponents of the bill expressed concerns about overreach in regulating how products are advertised, suggesting it could hinder adult consumers' access to information about legal products. Advocates, however, countered that the potential harm to youth from increased exposure to e-cigarette advertising far outweighs these concerns, highlighting the urgent need to prevent a new generation from becoming dependent on nicotine.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

Chapter 161. Public Health Provisions
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Latest SB1316 Activity

Companion Bills

TX HB2735

Same As Relating to a prohibition on e-cigarette advertising in certain locations.

Similar Bills

CA SB538

Electronic cigarettes.

TX SB97

Relating to regulation of the sale, distribution, possession, use, and advertising of e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and tobacco products; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty.

TX HB170

Relating to regulation of the sale, distribution, possession, use, and advertising of e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and tobacco products; creating criminal offenses.

TX SB2054

Relating to a directory of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products sold in this state, and regulation of the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; imposing a civil penalty; imposing administrative penalties.