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In a dramatic turnaround, Senate Bill 390—which would add e-cigarettes and vapes to Montana’s Clean Indoor Air Act—has been revived today in the House Human Services Committee, thanks to a motion by Great Falls Representative George Nikolakakos. Nikolakakos, who originally voted against the bill, stated that he now believes the issue deserves to be heard by the entire House of Representatives, not stopped in committee. He will now be carrying the bill, as amended, in the House as it moves forward.
This revival follows the bill’s earlier failure in committee by a vote of 9-12, followed by a tabling motion that effectively shut it down. The bill’s unexpected comeback has raised questions about why it failed in the first place—despite its clear public health benefits. Was it industry influence? Political pressure? A shift in priorities? The lack of transparency continues to concern many.
One thing is certain: Montanans who care about clean, safe air in shared spaces made their voices heard. Their advocacy played a key role in bringing this bill back and community voices will continue to be vital as SB 390 moves to the full House for consideration.
Here’s why this matters: Vapes emit a dangerous mix of toxic chemicals and heavy metals, including:
- Nicotine – Addictive and harmful to adolescent brain development
- Propylene glycol – Found in antifreeze and fog machines
- Carcinogens – Including formaldehyde and acetaldehyde
- Acrolein, Diacetyl, Diethylene glycol – Linked to irreversible lung damage
- Heavy metals – Like nickel, tin, lead and cadmium
- Benzene – Also found in car exhaust
- Ultrafine particles – That lodge deep in the lungs and damage respiratory health
Despite this overwhelming evidence, Montana law still allows public exposure to secondhand vape emissions. SB 390 is a chance to change that.
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