Time: 2023-02-17
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Georgia senators are moving to limit the use of e-cigarettes in public places.
On Wednesday, the state Senate voted 51-3 to pass Senate Bill 47, which would regulate vaping in the same way the state already regulates smoking. The measure will go to the House of Representatives for more debate.
Georgia's Smoke-Free Air Act of 2005 prohibits people from smoking indoors in many public places, though it excludes some places, including tobacco shops, bars that only accept patrons over 18 and private meeting rooms.
Anyone who breaks the law is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $100 to $500.
The state Department of Public Health supports the measure.
Republican Senator Chuck Hufstetler of Rome said he was trying to make the change as easy as possible.
“Some will say e-cigarettes are safer because there’s no tar, others will say the ultrafine particles in the aerosol make it worse. Either way, it’s not an argument,” Hufstetler said.