SC Senate advances vape registry bill [Video]

Supporters, including big tobacco companies, say the goal is to let retailers and consumers know what’s legal and what’s not.

“The goal is to try and protect our children from getting hooked on nicotine and using what I call these attractive nuisance vape products at a very young age,” said Senator Brad Hutto, a lead sponsor of the bill.

Lawmakers say that thousands of colorful vape products, bearing enticing names like “Strawberry Watermelon” or “Sweet Tart,” have been seized in South Carolina schools. Many of them are not approved by the FDA. 

Richland School District One substitute teacher Mikayla Swindler has seen the issue firsthand. 

“You see kids hiding vapes under their sleeves, you see kids asking to go to the bathroom often, more than they should, outside kids walk, they vape,” said Swindler. 

Hutto, alongside Senator Thomas …