Examining the Impact of Texas Law HB114 on E-Cigarette Use Among Students

The Controversial Texas Law Aimed at Curbing E-Cigarette Use Among Students

As the school year in Texas comes to a close, the spotlight is once again on HB114, a controversial law that went into effect this year with the goal of reducing e-cigarette use among students. Sponsored by State Rep. Ed Thompson, R-Brazoria County, the law mandates that any student caught in possession of an e-cigarette must be placed in an alternative school.

The law has sparked mixed reactions from parents and experts, with some praising it as a necessary measure to address the growing trend of e-cigarette use among students, while others criticize it as being too harsh. According to a survey study from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, more than 2.1 million students across the country reported using e-cigarettes in 2023, with a rise in use among middle school students.

In Texas, reports of e-cigarette use among elementary school students have raised concerns among leading experts in the field. Dr. Steven Kelder of UTHealth highlighted the addictive nature of e-cigarettes and the long-term impact it can have on young users.

The law, which went into effect on September 1, adds possession of an e-cigarette to Section 37 of the Texas Education Code, alongside serious offenses like bringing a gun to school or making terroristic threats. However, some critics argue that the punishment of mandatory placement in an alternative school for a first-time vaping offense may be too severe.

Data requests from ABC13 show that as of May 1, over 1,300 students from the Houston area’s largest school districts have been sent to alternative schools for e-cigarette violations this school year. While Rep. Thompson believes the law is having a positive impact in Brazoria County, experts warn of the potential consequences of the school-to-prison pipeline that may result from such harsh disciplinary measures.

Despite the law’s intentions, some school districts have found alternative ways to address e-cigarette use among students. HISD, for example, has reclassified the violation to prevent mandatory placement, while Fort Bend ISD has implemented a substance abuse program focused on prevention and education for first-time offenders.

As the debate over the effectiveness of the law continues, experts question whether punishment alone is an effective deterrent to nicotine use among students. Rep. Thompson acknowledges the need for a review of the law’s impact and potential unintended consequences.

For more on this story and updates, tune in to Eyewitness News at 10 p.m. on ABC13.