Committee delays vape product registry after hours of testimony; sponsors set implementation timetable and retailers press for open-system carve-out

The House Finance, Ways and Means Committee received extended testimony on House Bill 9-68 on April 1, a bill sponsored by Chairman Hawk that would create a state vape-product registry, impose a user fee for enforcement, and require manufacturers and retailers to document FDA authorization or filings. After more than two hours of oral testimony, sponsors and members agreed to roll the bill one week for additional work.

Chairman Hawk framed the bill as an enforcement tool to keep illegal, unapproved vape products off store shelves. Hawk said federal law makes it illegal to sell vape products that are not either approved by FDA or properly in the FDA authorization process, and the bill would establish a Tennessee registry and a user fee to fund enforcement. Hawk outlined an implementation calendar in committee: the user-fee portion would begin July 1, 2025; manufacturers must show Department of Revenue…