Senate Resolution No. by Senator Mizell establishes the Youth Tobacco and Nicotine Cessation Task Force in response to the rising public health concern regarding nicotine use among individuals under the age of twenty-one. The resolution highlights alarming statistics from the Louisiana Department of Health, indicating a significant prevalence of tobacco and e-cigarette use among high school and middle school students in Louisiana, with e-cigarette usage notably surpassing traditional tobacco products. The task force aims to study the effects of nicotine use on youth, including health risks associated with early exposure, and to identify effective strategies for prevention and cessation.

The task force will consist of various stakeholders, including state officials, health organizations, and educational representatives, and will focus on understanding the demographics and trends of youth tobacco use. It will explore pathways to address this issue, such as enforcement of sales restrictions, best practices for prevention in schools, and access to cessation resources. The task force is tasked with reviewing existing research and case studies to inform its recommendations, which are to be reported to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare by January 1, 2026. The Louisiana Department of Health will provide staff support to facilitate the task force's work.