PROTECT Act

This legislation amends the Public Health Service Act to create the Reducing Youth Use of E-Cigarettes Initiative , to be led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The initiative aims to comprehensively address the growing issue of e-cigarette and emerging tobacco product use among youth and young adults. Key provisions include extensive research on usage patterns, product characteristics, health impacts, and the effectiveness of various prevention and cessation methods. This research will cover aspects such as product types, advertising exposure, reasons for use, nicotine dependence, and cessation behaviors among different demographic groups. Furthermore, the bill directs the development and dissemination of guidance for healthcare providers and schools on intervening with and treating young users. It also mandates the identification of promising strategies for prevention, reduction, and improved access to cessation services, including technology-delivered options. The initiative will also involve developing and implementing a coordinated public campaign to educate about the harms of these products and culturally competent cessation strategies. It authorizes continued funding for state, local, and tribal health departments to support prevention and cessation efforts, particularly for youth addicted to nicotine, leveraging programs like Medicaid and CHIP. Finally, the bill requires the Secretary to submit a detailed strategy for carrying out the initiative within 90 days of enactment. It authorizes $100,000,000 to be appropriated annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to fund these critical activities.