The Butte school district wants to tweak its tobacco-use policy to include the use of electronic cigarettes.
As Montana lawmakers consider whether to regulate “e-cigs,” local administrators want to make sure language is clarified in set policies.
Kathy Cannon, who serves double-duty as alternative school principal and district special education director, and Larry Driscoll, East Middle School principal, comprise a committee working on the language change.
Cannon said she has found teen students smoking e-cigs on the alternative school campus, Montana and Front, but the only consequence is confiscation.
“I take the e-cigs from them,” added Cannon. “That’s why we want it in the policy.”
Under current laws, Montana youths can legally buy and use electronic cigarettes, according to the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program. Legislation is being introduced in Helena to address that.