ALBANY – Two measures concerning addictive drug use among minors were pushed through the State Senate without opposition this week and are now working their way through the Assembly.

Proponents say both pieces of proposed legislation will help protect the health and well-being of children by preventing addiction to opioids and nicotine.

The proposals – both of which are sponsored by Republican Senator Fred Akshar – would restrict prescription painkillers to minors and prohibit free handouts of sample e-cigarettes to people under the age of 18.

In a statement, Akshar on Wednesday hailed both initiatives as a positive step in the fight against heroin and opioid addiction.

“Today, parents face more and more challenges trying to keep their kids safe,” he said. “These measures look out for our young people and give parents some much-needed assistance in preventing addiction early.”

One of the bills (S7337) addresses the increasing risk of children becoming addicted to opioids and heroin after being prescribed painkillers for medical procedures or illegally sharing extra prescriptions.