Colorado mulling tobacco ban expansion for kids

Colorado lawmakers have given initial approval to a bill to change the definition of tobacco products that are off-limits to minors.

A bill approved 5-2 in a Senate committee Wednesday would ban any devices or products that deliver nicotine, not just devices that deliver tobacco.

Lawmakers and health advocates testified that they’re alarmed by gums, sodas and hookah devices that can be used to deliver nicotine.

Republicans pointed out that electronic cigarettes and other tobacco delivery devices are already illegal for minors. But Democrats who favored the bill said the clarification is needed to anticipate new products that might deliver nicotine but not tobacco. Smoking cessation products would still be allowed.

The bill now awaits a vote by the full Senate.