PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Electronic cigarettes and vaping are now banned at Rhode Island workplaces.
A new law, recently signed by Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo, took effect this week.
It adds the use of electronic cigarettes, vaporizers and similar products designed for electronic, vapor or aerosol delivery of nicotine to the definition of smoking in the Public Health and Workplace Safety Act. That 2005 law banned smoking in most enclosed public spaces, including private businesses.
Democratic Senate President Dominick Ruggerio sponsored the new legislation to protect workers and the public from secondhand nicotine vapors.
He says the state must address newer forms of smoking and the legislation brings the law up to date to address smoking in all its forms.
Ruggerio’s district includes parts of North Providence and Providence.
