House committee backs bill to require state directory and age verification for vape products

The Tennessee House Government Operations Committee on March 10 recommended House Bill 968 for further consideration, approving the measure by a recorded vote of 12 ayes and 1 no.

Sponsor Representative Todd Hawk said HB 968 would create a state directory of vape products and require age verification, allowing only products that have been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or are on a pathway with the FDA to be sold in Tennessee. “This attempts to stop the influx of illegal Chinese vape products that are addicting our kids and wreaking havoc on our schools,” Hawk said during the committee hearing.

The bill’s sponsor emphasized public health goals: limiting the availability of unregulated disposable devices and requiring universal carding. Hawk told the committee judges and juvenile courts had urged legislative action and said the directory would reduce the presence of illicit products in retail outlets and online marketplaces.

Opponents and several committee members pushed back on details and enforcement. Terry Lipsey, communications director of the Tennessee Smoke Free Association and owner of two vape shops, testified in opposition, saying the bill was drafted to benefit “Big Tobacco” and would effectively remove the majority of products sold in specialty vape shops. Lipsey said most specialty shop products are manufactured in the United States in FDA-inspected facilities and that restricting sales to the limited set of products currently listed by FDA would force many shops to close and push consumers toward an unregulated black market.

Committee members asked how retailers would know which products were allowed and whether a published list would be maintained. Hawk said other states that have adopted similar laws publish registries and that Tennessee would follow that model. Members also discussed enforcement options and whether revenue from fees could be directed toward enforcement and substance-use treatment.

Representatives on both sides described the bill as a public‑health response to youth vaping. Supporters argued the measure would reduce unregulated products on school campuses and online. Opponents warned it could narrow legal consumer options and disproportionately affect independent vape retailers while larger tobacco companies would continue to sell authorized high‑nicotine products in convenience stores.

The committee voted to send HB 968 to the Finance, Ways and Means Committee with a positive recommendation (12–1).

Votes and next steps: HB 968 passed the committee by voice tally converted to roll call, 12 ayes and 1 no, and is scheduled to proceed to Finance, Ways and Means for further consideration.