The House Resolution proposes the establishment of the Youth Tobacco and Nicotine Cessation Task Force in Louisiana, aimed at addressing the rising concern of nicotine use among individuals under the age of twenty-one. The task force will study the effects of nicotine exposure on youth, including health risks, usage trends, and demographic data. It will explore various strategies for prevention and cessation, such as enforcement of sales restrictions, best practices for reducing usage in schools and communities, and access to cessation resources. The task force will also consider regulatory approaches that balance public health needs with the rights of responsible adult users.
Composed of representatives from various health and educational organizations, the task force will review existing research on youth tobacco and nicotine use, including its psychological, behavioral, and academic impacts. It will analyze factors influencing youth initiation of tobacco products and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention programs. The task force is tasked with developing actionable recommendations tailored to Louisiana's youth population and is required to report its findings and any proposed legislation to the House Committee on Health and Welfare by January 1, 2026. The Louisiana Department of Health will oversee the task force and provide necessary support.