Legislation sponsored by North Country Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, to protect student health by banning electronic cigarettes on school-owned property has been signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Under the new law (S.750), the electronic devices widely known as “e-cigarettes” join tobacco as banned smoking substances on school buses and school grounds. E-cigarette use has doubled among high school students in 2014-2016, according to a report from the state health department.

“Schools are meant to be safe places for students, however, when they are exposed to things like e-cigarettes, their health is put at risk,” said Sen. Ritchie. “With so much still unknown about the chemical makeup up of the nicotine solution used in e-cigarettes, this new law will safeguard the health of children across the state and continue New York’s commitment to preventing childhood and teenage smoking.”

The new law stems from the advocacy of local students who are part of Reality Check, a group that aims to protect people from the dangers of tobacco. Reality Check works to help eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke, decrease youth tobacco use and protect young people from tobacco marketing.

“According to statics, the use of electronic cigarettes continues to rise and it’s our job to raise awareness to curb the usage of these devices,” said Chelsea Bartlett, Community Engagement Coordinator for Reality Check of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. “On behalf of Reality Check, thank you Senator Ritchie for always being a tireless advocate for protecting the health of students across our region and ensuring that children won’t be exposed to e-cigarettes while at school.”

During the recent legislative session, the Senate and Assembly passed a similar measure (S.2543-A) which would ban the use of e-cigarettes in certain indoor and outdoor areas. The bill, which is cosponsored by Sen. Ritchie awaits the governor’s signature.