Judiciary committee advances tobacco, vape regulation bill after removing section on premium cigars

The Judiciary Committee reconvened May 20 and moved Substitute for House Bill 7275 — an act concerning the regulation of cigarettes, tobacco products, electronic nicotine delivery systems, and vapor products — out of committee with amendments after extended debate over penalties and enforcement language.

The measure, which the chair said comes from the finance committee, includes both criminal and civil penalties and a civil fine of up to $10,000 imposed by the Commissioner of Revenue Services for specified violations. Chairman Staffstrom said the bill also contains “cut‑pa” provisions that his office views as problematic and that those provisions were expected to be removed on the House floor.

Why it matters: The bill would change how certain tobacco and vapor products are regulated in the state, including how penalties are imposed and who may bring enforcement actions. Committee members debated whether the bill’s civil‑penalty provisions and a proposed consumer‑protection cause of action (described in the hearing as a “cut of violation” under CutPA) fit the statutory requirements for ascertainable loss and whether the state or private parties would be able to bring suits.

Committee debate focused on scope and enforceability

Members…