Minnesota House Votes to Expand State’s Indoor Vaping Ban

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota House has voted to ban vaping from bars, restaurants and workplaces statewide.

The House approved the ban 100-25 Thursday in a move aimed partly at reversing the growing popularity of e-cigarettes among young people.

The bill would restrict the use of e-cigarettes wherever tobacco smoking is currently banned under the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act, which covers most public buildings and workplaces. It beefs up existing state and local restrictions against vaping in certain settings.

The chief author, Democratic Rep. Laurie Halvorson, of Eagan, says it's meant to ensure that all Minnesotans can breathe clean air in public places.

The bill is backed by Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation, which hopes it will now get a hearing in the Senate, given its bipartisan support in the House.