Westchester County has banned the sale of vaping devices disguised as everyday items like highlighters, USB drives and smartphone cases. The Board of Legislators passed the measure unanimously Monday, covering all 45 municipalities including Bronxville, Scarsdale and Eastchester.

These disguised vapes are specifically designed to hide nicotine use from parents and school staff. "Parents shouldn't have to wonder whether the highlighter in a child's backpack is actually a vaping device," Board Chairman Vedat Gashi said. "This law shuts down one more tactic used to put nicotine products within easy reach of young people."

What's banned.

Any e-cigarette or vaping device shaped like a pen, highlighter, USB drive, toy, drink container, smartphone case, or backpack accessory.

Penalties for retailers.

$300 to $1,500 for a first violation, up to $2,500 for repeat offenses. The Westchester County Board of Health will enforce the law countywide once County Executive Ken Jenkins signs it — no signing date announced yet.

Jenkins proposed the law in May. The Health Committee reviewed it with expert testimony, held a public hearing in June, and the full board passed it July 20. Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson, who led the effort, said the law "sends a clear message: products created to evade adult attention and endanger our children have no place in Westchester County." She's also working on related proposals, including a ban on flavored nicotine vapor products and a new tobacco/vapor permit system.