S.B. 1182 Aims to Ban Flavored Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, and Other Tobacco Items
Texas State Senator Carol Alvarado (D-Houston) has once again introduced legislation that would ban the sale of flavored tobacco products throughout the state. On Friday, February 5, 2025, Sen. Alvarado filed S.B. 1182, which closely resembles a similar bill she proposed in 2023.
Read moreSouth Carolina lawmakers are once again pushing for stricter regulation of vaping products in the state. A new bill, similar to one that passed the Senate unanimously in 2023(H.3681) but stalled in the House, would introduce significant changes to how electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), commonly known as vapes, are sold and marketed.
Read moreTwo bills currently under consideration by Indiana lawmakers could drastically change the landscape of the vaping industry in the state. H.B. 1218 proposes a complete ban on the sale and distribution of all e-liquids and vapor products starting July 1, 2025, while H.B. 1650 would establish a stringent regulatory framework, including a PMTA (Premarket Tobacco Product Application) registry.
The potential impact of these bills on consumer choice, small businesses, and efforts to provide smoke-free nicotine alternatives has raised concerns among industry stakeholders and advocates. If passed, Indiana would effectively eliminate access to products that many consider to be superior alternatives to traditional cigarettes, potentially forcing consumers back to combustible tobacco or driving them to unregulated markets.
Moreover, the proposed ban would likely lead to the closure of numerous vape shops, distributors, and manufacturers, resulting in significant job losses and economic damage across the state.
The regulatory framework proposed in H.B. 1650, while less severe than an outright ban, has also drawn criticism for its potential to favor large, well-established tobacco companies over smaller, independent brands. The bill’s requirement for a state-run PMTA registry could limit consumer access to products from small and medium-sized vapor manufacturers who are still navigating the complex and costly FDA regulatory process.
As Indiana lawmakers consider these bills, it is crucial for all stakeholders – including consumers, business owners, and public health advocates – to engage in an open and informed dialogue about the potential consequences of such legislation. By carefully weighing the risks and benefits of these proposed measures, policymakers can work towards a regulatory approach that prioritizes public health, supports local businesses, and ensures that adult consumers have access to a diverse range of reduced-risk alternatives to traditional cigarettes.
Oklahoma State Senator Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, has introduced Senate Bill 23, which seeks to ban the use of vapor products in vehicles when minors are present. The proposed legislation is part of a broader range of bills filed by Oklahoma lawmakers ahead of the January 16th deadline, covering various topics such as minimum wage increases and the legalization of sports betting.
Read moreNew Jersey lawmakers continue their fight against youth vaping by proposing a new bill that would prohibit the delivery of electronic smoking devices to individuals under the age of 21. The legislation would require someone over 21 to sign for the delivery, adding another layer of protection to prevent underage access to vaping products.
Read moreThe New Jersey State Legislature has introduced a new bill that aims to strengthen age restrictions on electronic smoking devices and tobacco products. The bill prohibits the delivery of these items to individuals under the age of 21 and requires that any tobacco or vaping product delivered to a residence be signed for by a resident who is at least 21 years old.
Read moreThe Bulgarian parliament has adopted a bill in its second and final reading that bans the use and sale of vapes to children under 18. The legislation also prohibits the advertising of vapes on radio and television.
Read moreThe Russian State Duma plans to consider an inter-faction bill during the autumn session that would completely ban the sale of vapes in Russia, according to Yaroslav Nilov, head of the Duma Committee on Social Policy and one of the bill’s authors.
Read moreA contentious bill proposed by Senator Soraya Thronicke (Podemos-MS) aims to legalize the sale of electronic cigarettes in Brazil, despite a standing ban by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa). The bill, which has faced several postponements, is set to be discussed by the Senate’s Economic Affairs Committee (CAE) on Tuesday, August 20th, and has mobilized 80 medical entities to voice their strong opposition. Read more
State deputies at the Legislative Assembly of Pará (Alepa) in Belém took a decisive step towards curbing the use of electronic cigarettes, also known as vapers, by approving Bill (PL) No. 213/2022 on Tuesday (13). State deputy Fábio Freitas (Republicans) proposed the bill, which strictly prohibits the use, sale, import, and production of any electronic smoking devices (DEF) intended to replace traditional cigarettes.
The new legislation imposes a substantial fine of R$1,144.55 on individuals who violate the law. It also requires commercial establishments to display prominent notices on their walls, clearly stating that smoking is prohibited within the premises and that violators may face penalties. These notices must be placed in highly visible locations and include the contact information for the health surveillance department, the Consumer Protection and Defense Department (Procon), and the Sespa reference center for approaching and treating smokers. Read more