Bill in NJ (A2778) would ban adult use of smokeless tobacco (and maybe e-cigs) on all K-12 school district property

[Bill Godshall]

Legislation introduced in New Jersey Assembly (A2778) would ban adults from using smokeless tobacco on all K-12 school district property, would require signs posted at every public entrance to all K-12 schools, would require enforcement by local school boards, but fails to cite oral cavity search, seizure of suspected evidence, drug testing or other procedures necessary for enforcement. The bill also makes false claims about health risks of smokeless tobacco.
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2012/Bills/A3000/2778_I1.PDF

If enacted, the NJ Dept of Education and/or local Boards of Health or School Boards might interpret this bill as also banning e-cig use.

As used in this section, "use of smokeless tobacco" means the inhalation, chewing or placement in the oral cavity of snuff, chewing tobacco, or any other matter or substance which contains tobacco.

It appears that Assemblyman David Russo is the only sponsor (i.e. no cosponsors).

 

[VapApe]

Is it just me or is Assemblyman Russo a bit clueless.

I am wondering how local school boards will feel about being drafted in to law enforcement.

 

[Vocalek]

It's nice to know that New Jersey is so crime-free that they can afford to create new crimes just to keep the law enforcement staff busy.

 

[Bill Godshall]

VapApe wrote:

I am wondering how local school boards will feel about being drafted in to law enforcement.

State legislatures in every state have enacted laws requiring local school boards to enforce hundreds of laws.

In many/most states, school boards have long been authorized to enforce laws that prohibit students from using tobacco products on school property.

A 2778 would apply that law to all adults (in addition to students).

 

[VapApe]

With the way A2778 is written should it pass.
It will be interesting to see if any school board be willing to try to enforce it the way its written.
Or for that matter if they can.

 

[Biomom]

At my kids' high school in Loudoun County Virginia; there's a sign banning ALL tobacco AND nicotine products from school property, and we have ecigs in the car, so we pick up the kids down the street. =/ I doubt they search cars just coming and leaving, but I still feel unwelcome as a responsible nonsmoking adult.

 

[Vocalek]

Well, Biomom, that's part of the master plan. Several years back they started putting up "Smoke Free Zone" signs around schools and hospitals. About 2 years ago I began noticing that the word "smoking" had magically morphed into "tobacco."

The master plan call for wiping all tobacco products off the face of the earth, and to discriminate in employment against all people who use nicotine in any form.

 

[TennDave]

They did this in our school district a few months back- I watched the proceeding on the 7 O'clock news- they snuck it in..."for the children," and added the use of an e-cig or vaping device to be included in the already present at first, Smoking Ban- which is now a Tobacco Ban (since sometime last year when all the signs were replaced). Funny thing is, one of my principals supports my vaping and thinks it's crazy. No announcements or memos have gone out about it or how to enforce it. I know people who use patches, gum and some that even dip or use SNUS during their work hours in the school.

 

[TennDave]

At my kids' high school in Loudoun County Virginia; there's a sign banning ALL tobacco AND nicotine products from school property, and we have ecigs in the car, so we pick up the kids down the street. =/ I doubt they search cars just coming and leaving, but I still feel unwelcome as a responsible nonsmoking adult.

I used to leave the school property to smoke cigs- drive around the block and smoke 3-4 quickly. Now, I can't even vape in my car (even at the edge of the parking lot)- I still have to leave the school property (technically) in order to vape- I have to perform the same behavior that I did when I was a "lowly, scumbag" smoker.