Governor Kim Reynolds has taken action on a host of bills, including three that deal with marijuana, alcohol and cigarettes. When bars and restaurants were closed this spring due to the pandemic, Governor Reynolds issued a proclamation allowing the sale of carry-out cocktails in addition to … [Read more...]
Iowa legislature raises tobacco buying age to 21
The legislature has voted to move the age for buying tobacco products to 21. This puts Iowa law in line with the recent federal change. "Iowa law enforcement officers, local law enforcement officers cannot enforce federal law," Representative Rob Bacon, a Republican from Slater, said last night. … [Read more...]
Advocate says thousands of flavored e-cigarettes still on market despite new rules
A survey finds nearly one quarter of Iowa's high schoolers vape and critics say new federal regulations on e-cigarettes are having virtually no impact toward heading off the epidemic. Matt Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, says the new policies are "entirely inadequate" and … [Read more...]
American Lung Association gives Iowa low grade for tobacco prevention
Iowa is getting a failing report card for its efforts to reduce the use of tobacco products, according to the American Lung Association's 18th annual State of Tobacco Control report. Beth Turner, manager of health promotions for the American Lung Association in Iowa, says Iowa got F-grades in … [Read more...]
Bill would ban vaping under Iowa’s Smoke-free Air Act
Iowa Senators are considering bills to regulate the use and purchase of tobacco products. One bill changes Iowa law to follow the new federal standard that raised the age for buying tobacco products to 21. The other would add electronic cigarettes to Iowa's Smoke-free Air Act. It means "vaping" … [Read more...]
Iowa’s governor unveils anti-vaping ads targeting teens, parents
State officials are launching a digital ad campaign about the dangers of "vaping" with electronic cigarettes, hoping to get the message to both teenagers and their parents. Governor Kim Reynolds today said one out of four high schoolers vapes and the most recent data indicates 29 percent of 11th … [Read more...]
Reynolds decides against executive action on e-cigarette sales
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...]