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House Taxation Committee considers HB525 to create Montana vapor‑product directory amid fierce industry debate
Summary
Lawmakers heard hours of testimony on HB525, a bill to establish a state directory of vapor products and enforcement tools. Proponents said it would curb illicit imports and protect youth; opponents—largely independent vape shops—argued it would favor major tobacco firms and harm small businesses.
The House Taxation Committee on Wednesday heard extended testimony on House Bill 525, a proposal from Rep. Amy Regier that would require manufacturers to register vapor products with the state and authorize penalties for products not listed on the directory.
Regier, the bill sponsor, told the committee the directory is intended to “establish a comprehensive vapor product directory” and to give retailers and law enforcement a single, authoritative list of products legal to sell in Montana. She said the measure targets illicit imports and products attractive to youth and urged the committee’s support.
Attorney General Austin Knudsen and a Department of Justice consumer-protection official described how the registry would work. Knudsen said Montana has seen an influx of unregulated products and provided a handout on the problem. Brent Mead, bureau chief for the DOJ’s Office of Consumer Protection, told the panel the bill is modeled on the state’s existing cigarette registry…
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