RI Dept. Of Health Holding Hearing On Flavored E-Cig Regulations

PROVIDENCE, RI — Amid national uncertainty over the future of flavored e-cigarettes, the Rhode Island Department of Health is holding a public hearing to discuss proposed regulations. The Jan. 7 hearing will be held at 4 p.m. at the department's lower-level auditorium at 3 Capitol Hill in Providence.

Flavored e-cigarettes have been off-limits in Rhode Island for several months. On Sept. 25, Governor Gina Raimondo signed an executive order calling for the department to issue an emergency ban on the sale of flavored e-cigarettes, just one day after Governor Charlie Baker took similar action. The emergency regulations are in effect for 120 days, with the option to renew for an additional 60 days.

At the hearing, the department is seeking public comment on regulations that would make the regulations standard in the state. Comments can be submitted in writing or spoken aloud at the meeting. Anyone unable to attend can submit comments to Paula Pullano via email at Paula.Pullano@health.ri.gov or by mail to Rhode Island Department of Health; 3 Capitol Hill, Room 410; Providence, RI 02908-5097.