TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Jill A. Sprague, General Counsel
SUBJECT: Board Policy 216 - Smoke Free Environment
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider approving amendments to, and the re-titling of, Board Policy 216 from "Smoke Free Environment" to "Smoke and Vape Free Environment" to prohibit these activities within District facilities, parking lots and all vehicles, both revenue and non-revenue, owned or leased by the District.
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Safe and Secure Operations
This policy promotes a safe and healthy workplace by prohibiting smoking and/or vaping on District facilities or on District vehicles.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There may be a small fiscal impact for the cost to update signage on District property notifying people that all smoking and vaping is prohibited.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Board Policy 216 was adopted June 1991 and was last revised April 2015. The policy was established to prohibit the use of cigarettes on District premises and vehicles and expanded in 2015 to prohibit the use of e-cigarettes.
Since the policy was last revised, a variety of new electronic vaping devices have become popular. The proposed policy amendment incorporates all vaping devices and prohibits their use on District premises and vehicles.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
The advantage of amending Board Policy 216 to include vaping is to protect the health and welfare of employees and persons at District facilities and on District vehicles.
There is no disadvantage to amending the policy.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
The alternative is to keep the policy as is and not include the expanded use of vaping. This is not recommended because of the potential health risks of the inhalation of vaporized nicotine and other chemicals contained in vaping devices.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Board Policy 216 (previously BP 172)
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Board Policy 216 with proposed amendments
2. Board Policy 216
Prepared by...
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