Georgia House passes HB 577 to regulate vaping products and protect youth

On March 3, 2025, the Georgia State Legislature convened to discuss House Bill 577, a proposed measure aimed at regulating the vaping industry in response to growing concerns about youth vaping and the influx of unregulated products. The bill seeks to establish a state-level registry managed by the Department of Revenue, which would provide clarity on which vaping products are legal for sale in Georgia.

The primary focus of the bill is to address the alarming rise of vaping products, particularly those targeting children, such as USB-shaped devices. Proponents argue that the current market is flooded with unregulated products, many of which are imported from China and lack proper safety oversight. Representative Gaines, the bill's author, emphasized that the legislation would not outlaw existing products but would create a framework for enforcement, ensuring that only products with some level of FDA review could be sold.

During the meeting, several lawmakers expressed support for the bill, highlighting its potential as a consumer protection measure. They noted the importance of regulating products that have been shown to misrepresent nicotine content and pose health risks, particularly to young users. The bill aims to provide law enforcement with the tools necessary to identify and remove illegal products from the market.

However, the discussion also revealed significant opposition from local vape shop owners and industry representatives. Critics of the bill raised concerns that it could inadvertently harm small businesses by limiting the availability of open-system devices, which allow users to gradually reduce nicotine intake. They argued that the bill's definitions could exclude many products currently used by adult consumers, potentially driving them back to traditional cigarettes.

Testimonies from vape shop owners highlighted the challenges they face under the proposed regulations, with some claiming that the bill could force them to shut down. They called for alternative solutions to address youth vaping, such as stricter age verification measures and educational initiatives, rather than a blanket registry that could limit consumer choice.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that while there is a consensus on the need to address youth vaping, the approach taken by House Bill 577 remains contentious. The legislature will need to balance public health concerns with the interests of local businesses as they move forward with discussions on this critical issue. The next steps will likely involve further testimony and potential amendments to the bill to address the concerns raised by stakeholders.