House Rules committee hears bill to let Oregon Health Authority set vape-packaging rules to protect minors

The House Committee on Rules held a public hearing June 9 on Senate Bill 1198, a measure that would direct the Oregon Health Authority to adopt rules restricting packaging of inhalant delivery systems (vape products) with the specific purpose of protecting minors from negative health effects.

Sen. Kathleen Taylor, sponsor of the measure, told the committee the bill is meant to preserve existing packaging limits after a court ruling. “Back in 2015, when I first joined the legislature, there were no restrictions on vaping… A 5‑year‑old could go down to the store and buy a vaping product, because it was a new item on the market,” Taylor said, describing earlier efforts including House Bill 2546 to limit packaging that appeals to youth. She said the Oregon Court of Appeals later found the prior statutory packaging restriction unconstitutional and SB 1198 was drafted…