Statement From The Vapor Technology Association On Kansas Senate Bill 355

Published on February 20, 2026

Washington, D.C. – Friday, February 20, 2026: “VTA applauds the Kansas Legislature for advancing Senate Bill 355, legislation that takes meaningful, common-sense steps to protect Kansas youth from the marketing and sale of e-cigarettes; a bill that stands in stark contrast to the ineffective PMTA registry bills that have circulated in statehouses across the country.

For years, VTA has called on state legislators to adopt smart youth protection laws that can actually make a difference. Kansas Senate Bill 355 does exactly that. The bill explicitly prohibits marketing e-cigarettes to minors by banning cartoon characters, youth-oriented imagery, celebrity endorsements, and entertainment features from packaging and advertising. These are substantive measures that will make a real difference, directly targeting the tactics of bad actors while protecting adult vapers’ freedom of choice.

Too many states have been pushed to adopt PMTA registry bills that do nothing to address youth appeal, restrict deceptive marketing, or close age verification loopholes — the factors that drive youth access to e-cigarettes in the first place.

VTA looks forward to working with the Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly to ensure effective implementation of this law. We call on legislators in other states to follow Kansas’ lead by adopting proven policies to reduce youth access while preserving the right of adult consumers to access less harmful alternatives to cigarettes.”

Statement attributable to Tony Abboud, Executive Director

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