Bill To Regulate E-Cigarettes Under Review At State House

A legislative panel has heard testimony on a bill that would regulate electronic cigarettes in Massachusetts.

Attorney General Martha Coakley told the public health committee that the measure would close gaps in current state law by prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes _ or any nicotine delivery system _ to children under 18.

The bill initially proposed by state Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez of Boston would prohibit e-cigarettes from being used in all places where smoking is currently banned.

The metal or plastic battery-powered devices resemble traditional cigarettes but heat a liquid nicotine solution, creating vapor that users inhale.

Coakley and dozens of other state attorneys general recently asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to regulate e-cigarettes the same way it regulates tobacco products. (Associated Press)