Assemblyman David G. McDonough, R-Merrick, announced that Governor Cuomo signed two bills designed to protect New York’s teenagers and children from the harmful effects of cigarettes.
The new legislation would prohibit smoking within 100 feet of the entrances or exits of any public or private schools, along with prohibiting the sale of electronic cigarettes to persons under the age of 18.
“As it has been proven time and time again, cigarette smoking shortens lives and is detrimental to your health," said McDonough, whose district covers Wantagh and Seaford. "These new laws will keep dangerous second hand smoke and the possibility of addiction to nicotine away from our most vulnerable citizens—our children.”
The first law expands on the ban on smoking on school grounds to prohibit smoking within 100 feet of the entrances, exits or outdoor areas of public and private schools. Residences or residential property within the 100 foot perimeter would be excluded from the new law’s smoking ban. This new law takes effect immediately.
The second measure, would prohibit the sale of electronic cigarettes, which are battery-powered devices that allows users to inhale a vaporized liquid nicotine solution instead of tobacco smoke, to individuals who are less than 18 years of age. This new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2013.
“I applaud Governor Cuomo for signing these two important measures into law to protect our children from becoming addicted to nicotine and the detrimental effects smoking can have on their health," McDonough added.
Assemblyman McDonough represents the 19th Assembly District in Nassau County. For more information, visit his website.
