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Long, divided hearing on bill to ban flavored tobacco and menthol products draws wide testimony
Summary
Senate Bill 5183 would ban sale, display and marketing of flavored tobacco, nicotine and vapor products beginning Jan. 1, 2026; the Liquor and Cannabis Board would enforce the prohibition. The committee heard extensive pro and con testimony from physicians, educators, youth, retailers and industry representatives.
Senate Bill 5183, sponsored by Sen. Tawanna Nobles, would prohibit retailers from selling, displaying, marketing or advertising flavored tobacco, nicotine or vapor products (including menthol cigarettes and "entertainment vapor products") beginning Jan. 1, 2026. The Liquor and Cannabis Board would enforce the law, including license suspension and monetary penalties, and the Department of Health would implement a statewide prevention and awareness campaign.
Nut graf: Supporters called the bill a necessary public-health step to reduce youth initiation, noting industry targeting of Black, Native American, LGBTQ+ and low-income communities with menthol and flavored products. Opponents, including independent retailers, vape-shop owners and industry…
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