House Passes CLEAR Act to protect youth from vapes
Rep. Amen Brown’s bill would punish retailers who sell to minors
Rep. Amen Brown October 5, 2026 | 4:20 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – In a bipartisan vote, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Wednesday voted unanimously to pass a bill by state Rep. Amen Brown, D-Phila., which would crack down on retailers who sell e-cigarettes or flavored nicotine products to youth.
Brown's bill, dubbed the CLEAR Act, would fine retailers who are caught selling vapes to youth $5,000 for each of their first two violations, followed by a permanent revocation of their cigarette license upon a third offense. The bill targets popular flavored e-cigarettes, including sweet varieties such as mango, cotton candy and mint, which are heavily marketed toward young users.
"Vaping has become a silent epidemic in our schools and neighborhoods," said Brown. "This is not just a public health issue — it's a community safety issue. If you're out here profiting off the addiction of our youth, you should not be in business — period."
In 2024, per the CDC, e-cigarettes were the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students, with more than 1.2 million high school students using them. The use of vapes among young people has been described as a "silent epidemic" in schools and neighborhoods, where advertising is often targeted toward younger demographics.
"This bill sends a clear message: we are drawing the line," Brown said. "Communities across Pennsylvania are watching our kids get hooked on high-nicotine products disguised in candy flavors. Enough is enough. It's time to clear the air."
Brown's bill now heads to the state Senate, where it will await further action.