Louisiana Lawmakers Approve Vape Tax Hike, Reject Cigarette Tax

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The Louisiana House Ways and Means Committee has taken a split stance on tobacco taxation, approving a bill to increase the state tax on vapes and e-cigarettes while rejecting a proposal to raise the tax on traditional cigarettes. The vote against the cigarette tax hike was 7-4, while the legislation to increase the tax on vapes and e-cigarettes, sponsored by Vacherie Representative Ken Brass, passed with a 9-6 vote.

Supporters of the vape tax increase, including Rep. Brass and Bossier City Representative Dennis Hamburg, believe that making these products more expensive will deter usage, particularly among teenagers. Brass argued that the higher tax will ultimately save the state money on healthcare costs by reducing the rate of vaping-related illnesses.

“I’m not a guy that really likes taxing our people, but if this can curb that appeal and slow that rate down a little bit,” Hamburg said, acknowledging the high percentage of middle and high school students using vapes and e-cigarettes.

A representative from the American Lung Association testified that one out of four middle school students and one out of three high school students are using tobacco products, with a majority of them vaping. Eric Weinzettle, the representative, cited statistics suggesting that for every 10% increase in prices, consumption will drop 13 to 22% among youth.

However, not all lawmakers were convinced by these arguments. Mandeville Representative Jay Galle’, while acknowledging the dangers of vaping addiction, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of price increases in deterring addictive behavior.

“I think vaping is horrible. I think it’s a horrible addiction, and I wish it didn’t exist. But it is an addiction, and addictions are rarely deterred by an increase in price, so there’s that,” Galle’ said.

Galle’ also raised concerns that if the sales tax is increased, teenagers may find other ways to obtain vaping products, potentially turning to the streets.

The vape tax bill, having passed the House Ways and Means Committee, could face a hearing in front of the House Appropriations Committee before proceeding to a vote on the House floor. A two-thirds majority will be required for the measure to advance to the Senate.

As lawmakers continue to grapple with the public health concerns surrounding vaping and e-cigarette use, particularly among youth, the debate over the effectiveness of taxation as a deterrent is likely to continue in Louisiana and beyond.

Matthew Ma
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