Tennessee Senate Advances Vape Regulation Tax Bill

Tennessee lawmakers are nearing the final vote on a bill that would impose a 10% tax on some vape products and effectively ban the sale of many unapproved items by requiring FDA authorization. The legislation, supported by Senator Ken Yager, aims to combat the rising youth vaping crisis attributed to unregulated Chinese products. Critics argue that the bill serves as a 'legislative weapon for big tobacco' to eliminate competition, as it could restrict the sale of many flavored and disposable vape products. With only 34 vape products currently FDA-approved, the bill could have significant impacts on local businesses, leading some, like vape store owner David Nelson, to express concern about its potential to harm the state's vape industry. Despite these criticisms, Yager maintains that the bill is intended to protect children and ensure the safety of vape products. The proposed tax is expected to generate over $16 million for the state’s general fund.