Vaping Ordinance for Sheridan Schools Discussed at Council Study Session

An ordinance that would stiffen the penalty for possessing or using tobacco products on school grounds in Sheridan was an item of discussion Monday night at a Sheridan City Council study session. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

In response to an extreme increase in the use of electronic cigarettes, or vape pens on school grounds, officials with Sheridan County School District Two have requested the City adopt an ordinance that can be used by the school district to discourage vaping among students. Currently under state statute, anyone under the age of 21 who possesses tobacco products on school grounds is subject to a fine of no more than $25. The ordinance that is being proposed would allow for a fine of up to $750, which is the standard misdemeanor maximum. Under the proposed ordinance, the Court may also order the minor to attend a tobacco education class and if the minor is convicted three times, he or she would then be eligible for probation.

Sheridan Junior High Discipline Assistant Dan White addressed the Council on the issue of vaping at the junior high.

District Two Superintendent Scott Stults also addressed the Council on the vaping problem within the schools.

Several councilors expressed interest in having more information on the state statute that the Legislature approved last year that sets the maximum fine at $25 and whether the proposed ordinance should be for the entire City, not just within the school district. The Council agreed to move forward with the proposed ordinance with the likelihood of amending the ordinance as it moves its way through the process of three readings before it can take effect.