Governor Kim Reynolds says due to legal challenges of executive action in other states, she's ruled out issuing an executive order that would restrict electronic cigarette sales. Reynolds met Friday with key staff to discuss ways to address underage "vaping" and the illness that's been associated … [Read more...]
Iowa’s governor says e-cigarette use among teens ‘alarming’
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds says there are dangers associated with "vaping" and she's discussing policy options with key advisers. "I think it's alarming what we're continuing to see and the increase in the number of cases and so we continue to work with the Iowa Department of Public Health to … [Read more...]
More features added to smoke-free rental registry
The state's registry of smoke-free rental properties is undating its features to appeal to more users. Emily Vogt, who helps coordinate the Smoke Free Homes Registry for the Iowa Department of Public Health, says the detailed list of more than 1,200 smoke-free properties has been online since … [Read more...]
Reynolds sees vaping dangers, is open to raising age for buying products
Governor Kim Reynolds says she's willing to consider a bill that would raise the age for buying tobacco and other nicotine products to 21. "We need to continue to do everything we can to fight addiction in any form," Reynolds said late this morning. "I'll wait and see it in its final form, but I … [Read more...]
Plan to raise tobacco-buying age to 21 emerges in Iowa Senate
The legal age for buying nicotine-infused merchandise -- including cigarettes and "vaping" products -- would jump from 18 to 21 under a bill that has cleared its first hurdle in the Iowa Senate. Senate President Charles Schneider of West Des Moines is the Republican who's sponsoring the bill. … [Read more...]
Students part of national campaign to get smokers to quit
Students in several Iowa cities are taking part in anti-smoking campaigns today on this national Kick Butts Day. Sydney Brookman, a seventh grader at Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School in Waverly, says she learned early on that smoking is something you shouldn't do and she's spreading the message … [Read more...]
New app from state Alcoholic Beverages Division can spot fake ID’s
A new mobile app created by the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) helps retailers determine the age of customers attempting to purchase alcohol, tobacco, and vapor products. ABD spokesman, Jake Holmes, says the app replaces the low-tech device that was once the common tool. "We used to send … [Read more...]
State Patrol to check for sale of vaping products to minors
A new program will see two state agencies are working together to crack down on vaping among underage kids in Iowa. State Trooper Vince Kurtz says the Patrol is working with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) on the program called I-PLEDGE. "What we're partnering together to work on is … [Read more...]
State smoking ban for restaurants and bars is now 10 years old
Sunday marked the 10th anniversary of the implementation of the Smoke-free Air Act that former Governor Chet Culver signed into law. The law banned smoking in bars, restaurants and outdoor entertainment venues. Adam Angstad has worked as a server at the Hamburg Inn in Iowa City for 12 years and … [Read more...]
E-cigarette company to work with Iowa Attorney General to keep kids from vaping
Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller is part of a plan announced by the e-cigarette maker JUUL to keep kids from using their devices. Miller says a group of public health experts will work on a model of how combustible that all e-cigarette companies can use. "We'll work with them to try and … [Read more...]