Louisiana Highlights

Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States and in Louisiana. To address this enormous toll, the American Lung Association calls for the following actions to be taken by Louisiana's elected officials:

It was quite a year for tobacco control issues during the Louisiana legislative session in 2024. House Bill 277, introduced by Representative Kerner, clarified a confusing statute related to smoking in motor vehicles with a minor present and stated that it is illegal to smoke in a motor vehicle when a child younger than 13 is present. The Lung Association advocated for this legislation to be extended to all persons under age 18 but was unsuccessful.

House Bill 621, introduced by Representative Stagni, was a clean-up bill dealing with the vapor product and alternative nicotine product directory (V.A.P.E. Directory) that was passed in 2023. The directory is currently being challenged by lawsuit and House Bill 621 aimed to address some of the complaints listed in the suit. As of writing, the lawsuit is still ongoing, and the V.A.P.E. Directory is still being administered by the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.

Senate Bill 358, introduce by Senator Mizell, allows for the expulsion of students in the 6th grade and up for the possession of tobacco and nicotine products on school grounds and at school sponsored events. The Lung Association spoke against the bill in committee and provided information about INDEPTH as an effective alternative to suspension and expulsion. The bill went into effect in August 2024.

The influence of the tobacco industry was very apparent in many of the bills during the 2024 legislative session especially House Bill 970. House Bill 970 would have amended the definition of nicotine pouch products to exclude them from regulation under the V.A.P.E Directory. The Lung Association spoke in committee to educate legislators on the dangers of oral nicotine pouches and the importance of regulation. HB 970 did not pass.

There continues to be support within local municipalities for public health protections from secondhand smoke. The towns of Ball and Dodson passed comprehensive smokefree air ordinances in 2024. Casino and bar workers in these communities are now protected from the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure.

In 2024, the American Lung Association in Louisiana will join our tobacco control partners to educate state legislators about the health and economic benefits of strong tobacco control policies, including an increase in taxation on all tobacco and nicotine products. The Lung Association will also continue to work with partners in the Coalition for a Tobacco Free Louisiana to ensure successful passage and preservation of comprehensive local smokefree ordinances.