Electronic cigarettes are becoming more and more popular lately as an alternative to regular cigarettes.

Some argue that they are a healthier alternative because instead of containing tobacco and other cancer causing toxins, they use a vapor that still gives users a nicotine kick.

State Representative Ralph Watts says some lawmakers want to see these devices taxed like other tobacco products.

“The Democrats wanted to require that they be taxed just like cigarettes and handled just like cigarettes but of course it’s not a tobacco type of device” says Watts.

So instead, the House passed a bill that limits who can purchase and use these devices.

“In lieu of doing that, what we did was pass a bill out of the house that would limit the purchase and possession of e-cigarettes to people who are 18 years and over.  That’s kind of the practice now.  Most of the vendors won’t sell them to people under 18 anyway and we just said well let’s make it so people under 18 can’t buy them or sell them.”

Representative Watts says there was a lot of support in the House and he hopes it will pass through the Senate.