Amid the flood of illegal vape products that have been entering Texas in recent years, law enforcement is actively working to stop a public health disaster before it gets worse. The problem is, by the time a teenager is caught with an illegal vape, the damage may already be done.
What a lot of parents don’t realize is that many of the vapes showing up in their kids’ backpacks are illegal, unregulated devices designed to keep them coming back for more.
Officers across Texas are seizing products that are deliberately designed to attract minors and evade the law. Some look like highlighters, USB drives, gaming devices or even cosmetics. They’re sold in bright colors, sweet flavors and flashy packaging that clearly aren’t meant for an adult trying to quit smoking, but for kids to discreetly use vapes at school.
What’s inside these products is even more troubling. Some are mixed with cannabinoids and other intoxicating substances. Others are produced in overseas facilities that operate entirely outside U.S. safety standards, with zero regard for Texas law. When teenagers inhale from one of these vapes, they’re essentially acting as test subjects for unscrupulous foreign manufacturers that will never answer for their crimes.
That’s why Senate Bill 2024, which took effect in September, is such an important step forward in protecting Texas students and families. Led by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, and Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, with bipartisan support, this law equips state and local law enforcement with stronger tools to crack down on the worst actors in the vape market.
The bill bans the marketing, advertising, sale or offering of certain e-cigarette products that clearly target minors or pose serious risks. This includes vapes disguised as everyday items, products tied to celebrity names, devices made in China or other foreign adversaries, and products mixed with substances like cannabinoids, alcohol, kratom, kava or mushrooms. Violations can now carry Class A misdemeanor penalties, including fines of up to $4,000 and possible jail time.
Meanwhile, SB 2024 gives local police better tools to ramp up enforcement. The Texas comptroller’s office now has stronger authority to inspect retailers and work with local and state agencies on coordinated operations. Across the state, we are already seeing illegal products being pulled off shelves. Some store owners have stepped up and brought their inventory into compliance, while others face citations, seizures and even arrests.
Gov. Greg Abbott also deserves credit for his executive action targeting shops that try to skirt the law by selling dangerous THC and related products under the guise of being legitimate businesses. This leadership matters and sends a clear message that Texas will not tolerate stores that put profits over the health and safety of children.
But we can’t let up now — the foreign companies pushing illegal vapes are making billions by dodging rules and targeting minors. They view Texas as a lucrative market and our kids as repeat customers.
Policymakers should continue to support strong enforcement, close loopholes and ensure penalties are meaningful enough to deter bad actors. Retailers need to understand that ignorance won’t shield them from responsibility when illegal products are on their shelves.
At its core, this is about protecting Texas families. No parent should have to wonder whether a device in their child’s backpack contains toxic chemicals from an unregulated overseas factory.
With SB 2024 now in force and continued leadership at the state level, Texas is making its position clear: our children’s health and safety are not for sale.
Kevin Lawrence is the executive director of the Texas Municipal Police Association.