The Tennessee Senate has passed legislation that would impose a new 10% tax on some vape products, create an FDA-authorized catalog of vape products, and require young people to show ID to prove they are over 21. Businesses worry that this will affect the operation of vape shops.
Key points:
1. The Tennessee Senate passed a new 10% tax on some products, which will be considered by the House of Representatives.
2. The bill aims to reduce the use of vapes by young people, creating an FDA-authorized product catalog that requires 21 years of age or older to purchase vapes.
3. Some lawmakers and businesses are worried that the bill will affect operations and that 500 approved products will make it difficult to support their business.
New 10% tax bill on vapes in Tennessee passes Senate
According to Fox17 reported on April 2. The Tennessee Senate passed a new tax regulation on some electronic cigarette products, which will be considered in the House of Representatives.
The new tax is expected to bring in more than $16 million for the state’s general fund, according to the bill’s financial note. If passed, the bill would impose a 10% tax on the price of vape products.
According to the Tennessee Health Advisory Board, youth vaping rates in Tennessee are more than double the national average, at 22 percent.
Senator Ken Yager said House Bill 0968 aims to stop the large number of vapes flooding the market to prevent harm to children. If passed, the law would create a catalog of vape products authorized by the FDA to be sold in Tennessee. At the same time, young people must show an identity card to prove they are at least 21 years old.
Senator Jeff Yarbro agreed that vape controls were needed, but said he did not believe the bill would address the root cause of the problem and could affect business operations.
Phil Harrell, a member of the Smoke-Free Association, which represents 800 vape shops in Tennessee, expressed concern that the nearly 500 approved vape products are not enough to support its business.
