Senate 18 targets youth tobacco use with flavored cigarette and e-liquid ban
March 14, 2024 | HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
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The Vermont House of Representatives convened on March 14, 2024, to discuss Senate Bill 18, which aims to ban flavored cigarettes and e-liquids. The session began with an overview of the bill's findings, highlighting the rising costs associated with tobacco use, the increasing prevalence of youth tobacco consumption due to e-cigarettes, and the targeted marketing of menthol cigarettes towards marginalized communities, particularly African Americans and the LGBTQ population.
The bill's first section outlines these legislative findings, setting the stage for the subsequent discussions. The second section focuses on definitions, reorganizing existing terms and introducing new ones to clarify the legislation. Notably, the term "characterizing flavor" is defined to encompass any taste or aroma distinct from tobacco, including a wide range of food and drink flavors. This effort aims to close loopholes previously exploited by the tobacco industry.
Further definitions include "e-liquid," which refers to substances used in vaping, and "flavored e-liquid," which is presumed to have a characterizing flavor if marketed as such. The bill also expands the definition of "tobacco paraphernalia" to include items like clothing designed for discreet use of tobacco products.
The session continued with discussions on licensing requirements and penalties for selling tobacco products to individuals under 21. The bill proposes stricter penalties for knowingly enabling underage usage, increasing fines for violations. Additionally, the proof of age requirements for the sale of tobacco products now explicitly include e-liquids.
As the meeting progressed, members of the House engaged in technical amendments and further clarifications of the bill's provisions. The member from Northfield was recognized to address additional sections of the bill, ensuring a comprehensive review of its implications.
In conclusion, the House session underscored a significant legislative effort to regulate flavored tobacco products and protect youth from the dangers of tobacco use. The discussions highlighted the importance of clear definitions and stringent penalties as the bill moves forward in the legislative process.
The bill's first section outlines these legislative findings, setting the stage for the subsequent discussions. The second section focuses on definitions, reorganizing existing terms and introducing new ones to clarify the legislation. Notably, the term "characterizing flavor" is defined to encompass any taste or aroma distinct from tobacco, including a wide range of food and drink flavors. This effort aims to close loopholes previously exploited by the tobacco industry.
Further definitions include "e-liquid," which refers to substances used in vaping, and "flavored e-liquid," which is presumed to have a characterizing flavor if marketed as such. The bill also expands the definition of "tobacco paraphernalia" to include items like clothing designed for discreet use of tobacco products.
The session continued with discussions on licensing requirements and penalties for selling tobacco products to individuals under 21. The bill proposes stricter penalties for knowingly enabling underage usage, increasing fines for violations. Additionally, the proof of age requirements for the sale of tobacco products now explicitly include e-liquids.
As the meeting progressed, members of the House engaged in technical amendments and further clarifications of the bill's provisions. The member from Northfield was recognized to address additional sections of the bill, ensuring a comprehensive review of its implications.
In conclusion, the House session underscored a significant legislative effort to regulate flavored tobacco products and protect youth from the dangers of tobacco use. The discussions highlighted the importance of clear definitions and stringent penalties as the bill moves forward in the legislative process.
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