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Committee hears contrasting testimony on sweeping vapor and tobacco bill that would raise fees, expand enforcement and remove preemption
Summary
House Bill 24 39 would raise licensing fees, increase penalties, ban certain products and remove state preemption to let localities adopt stricter rules; public health groups urged passage for youth prevention and to restore funding, while retailers and industry warned of enforcement gaps and economic harm.
The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held an extended public hearing Jan. 20 on House Bill 24 39, a 14‑part omnibus bill that would change licensing, enforcement and revenue allocation for tobacco and vapor products in Washington.
Staff summarized multiple provisions: creation of a Liquor and Cannabis Board responsible "responsible vendor" program and training to reduce underage sales; increases in retailer, wholesaler and distributor license fees to approximately $1,000; stiffer penalties for violations of youth‑sales rules; certification and attestation requirements for manufacturers; prohibition on sales of products that imitate non‑vapor items or have interactive entertainment features; removal of state preemption to allow local governments to adopt stronger rules; a study of an extended…
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