Idaho Lawmakers Propose New Vape Restrictions for Youth

Idaho lawmakers new vape restrictions underage use

Idaho state lawmakers plan to introduce more regulations for e-cigarette and vaping products in the upcoming legislative session to address the growing concern of underage use. A legislative committee met Wednesday to discuss proposals from the tobacco industry, retailers, and health officials as they work towards drafting an official bill.

Twin Falls County Commissioner Don Hall emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, “If we increase the costs and the regulation of vaping products, it will make it harder for our children to access them.”

A lobbyist representing tobacco giant Altria advocated for a new registry in Idaho that would exclusively allow the sale of products approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Currently, the FDA has approved 34 vaping products for sale, all owned by three companies, including an Altria subsidiary.

In 2020, under President Donald Trump, the FDA banned flavored vaping cartridges but did not include disposable e-cigarettes. Since then, the use of disposable vapes has surged, along with the importation of unauthorized devices from China.

However, retailers and Erin Bennett from the American Heart Association argued that the state should focus on enforcing its current regulations rather than creating a new registry. Bennett stated, “I don’t believe we need a new regulatory list, agency or what have you. We need enforcement and that is where we need to start.”

Idaho law requires shops selling nicotine products to have a state permit since 2020, but Bennett believes many stores lack these permits and are not subject to law enforcement inspections.

The committee did not take immediate action and will continue to meet later this year to further discuss the proposed regulations.

News source: Idaho lawmakers weigh new vape restrictions

Matthew Ma
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