House approves bill to regulate heated‑tobacco products, creates lower tax rate and restricts youth access

The Alabama House on April 9 passed HB 357, a bill that treats heat‑not‑burn tobacco products as a distinct product category from conventionally burnt cigarettes and establishes a reduced excise tax rate for the new category. Sponsor Representative Mary Hollis said the measure recognizes that heated‑tobacco devices deliver nicotine via heated tobacco rather than combustion, and she described them as “harm reduction alternatives” for adult smokers.

The substitute the House adopted made technical changes requested by the Department of Revenue; it also established tax treatment and regulatory details. Representative Hollis and other supporters said the products produce no smoke and therefore avoid secondhand smoke risks associated with combustion. Opponents and some questioners cautioned that reduced taxes could make the products more attractive and urged caution given incomplete long‑term data; Representative Klaus said he would oppose a lower tax rate because it would reduce state excise revenue and possibly encourage use.

Supporters said the FDA has reviewed some heated‑tobacco products and concluded they can reduce exposure to harmful combustion products. Supporters also argued a lower tax and regulated adult retail channel could encourage adult smokers to switch from cigarettes. The House adopted the substitute (vote on sub adopted) and then passed final passage (58 yeas, 37 nays recorded). The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.