December 24, 2012 / Syracuse.com / ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New state laws banning sales of electronic cigarettes to minors and giving businesses new tax exemptions for installing solar energy systems are set to take effect next week.

In 2013, New Yorkers will also calculate state income taxes owed based on the new rates that took effect in 2012 and which should have already been reflected in payroll deductions. Meanwhile, taxable income amounts could change based on a cost-of-living index adjustment in the law for the next two years.

The ban on sales to those under 18 of e-cigarettes, battery-powered devices used to inhale vaporized liquid nicotine instead of tobacco smoke, is effective Jan. 1. Though initially sold as an alternative to smoking harmful tobacco, critics say they come in candy flavors appealing to youths with addictive nicotine.

Sen. Owen Johnson, a Long Island Republican who sponsored the measure, said it was needed to protect children and young adults because E-cigarettes have been unregulated “and have not been proven to be safe for use at any age.” State law already prohibits selling cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and herbal cigarettes to minors. Retailers can be fined from $300 to $1,000 for the first violation, according to the tax department.

LINK TO ARTICLE