The Tennessee House Government Operations Committee has passed House Bill 968, co-sponsored by Rep. David Hawk (R-Greeneville), in a 12-1 vote. The bill aims to restrict the sale of vape products to those approved by or under review by the FDA. It also proposes a tax of 7 cents per milliliter on disposable vape products and a 10% tax on the wholesale cost of refillable vape products.
Rep. Hawk stated that the bill's purpose is to prevent children from accessing vape products. However, opponents argue that the legislation could lead to the closure of most vape shops and drive more people to consume tobacco products. The bill will now proceed to the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee for further consideration. The Senate version of the bill, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Yager (R-Kingston), is scheduled for discussion in the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee on Tuesday.
- News source: Vape regulation bill advances in Tennessee House
