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House panel rejects vaping regulation bill after amendment vote split
Summary
House Bill 149, to create a separate regulatory scheme for alternative nicotine and vapor products and to require sales in age-restricted venues, failed to pass second reading after an amendment passed but the final bill did not secure a majority (38–62).
A proposal to separate regulation of alternative nicotine and vapor products from traditional tobacco law and to require retail sales be limited to age-restricted venues (House Bill 149) failed on second reading after a lengthy Committee of the Whole session.
Representative Marshall, sponsor of HB 149, opened by saying the bill would create a clearer regulatory framework and move sales to age-restricted venues to limit youth access. Marshall also offered an amendment (HB149.3.1) intended to clarify the definition of "age-restricted venues." The amendment passed with the clerk recording 60 votes in favor and 40 opposed.
Despite that amendment’s passage, the committee then took the recommendation on the bill as a whole. The clerk recorded 38 representatives voting aye and 62 voting no; House Bill 149 failed to pass second reading.
Discussion summary: supporters argued the bill would make enforcement easier and further reduce youth use; opponents outvoted supporters on the full bill. The amendment’s passage showed some support for clarifying language, but not for the full regulatory change the sponsor proposed.
Outcome: HB 149 did not advance after failing the recorded second-reading vote; the sponsor and supporters may pursue alternative avenues or future drafts.
