The 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 and tobacco products on youth, focusing on health risks associated with early exposure, including addiction and long-term health consequences.

The task force will consist of various stakeholders, including state officials, health organizations, and educational representatives, and will be tasked with identifying the prevalence of tobacco and nicotine use among youth, as well as exploring effective prevention and cessation strategies. This includes examining existing public health data, case studies, and research on the impacts of nicotine use, as well as evaluating successful programs from other states. The task force is expected to provide actionable recommendations and proposed legislation to the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare by January 1, 2026, while ensuring that any regulatory approaches do not unduly burden responsible businesses or infringe on the rights of adult users.