North Dakota Removes Vape Registry from AG Budget Bill

North Dakota Vape Registry Bill Removed Budget

Concerns Over Business Impact Sideline Proposed E-cigarette Restrictions

The North Dakota House of Representatives approved the Attorney General’s Office budget on April 29, but notably without a contentious provision that would have created a state registry for electronic smoking devices. Critics, including smoke shop and gas station owners, had argued the registry posed a significant threat to small businesses.

The removed section of House Bill 1003 aimed to restrict vape sales to only those products marketed before August 2016 that had sought FDA approval by September 2020, or those explicitly approved or waived by the FDA. Supporters framed it as a measure to regulate potentially unsafe products.

However, facing opposition and concerns it could drive businesses under or out of state, the provision was ultimately dropped. Representative Mike Nathe indicated the removal was a strategic move to avoid a prolonged debate late in the legislative session. He suggested that while the registry was removed for now, the issue would likely be revisited in future legislation due to existing support in both legislative chambers.

Matthew Ma
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