State lawmakers pass bill to regulate vape sales
Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a bill to regulate vape sales, requiring products to be on a state-approved list to ensure safety and curb youth access.Summary
The Pennsylvania House and Senate have passed House Bill 1425, sending it to Governor Josh Shapiro for signature. The bill aims to regulate vape sales by requiring manufacturers to register their products with the state Attorney General and pay fees for each brand family and style. Proponents, like Rep. Jeanne McNeill, argue the bill will protect children and ensure product safety, while Attorney General David Sunday emphasizes the lack of transparency regarding vape contents. Industry officials, such as Tony Abboud of the Vapor Technology Association, criticize the registry as harmful to small businesses and point to declining youth vaping rates, citing a recent survey showing less than 6% of students use e-cigarettes. However, health advocates note that those who do vape often do so regularly, and vaping can be a gateway to tobacco use, with young adult vaping rates actually increasing. The law will take effect 60 days after Shapiro’s signature, with a 120-day grace period for enforcement after the legal vape directory is published, and penalties of $500 per illegal product sold.
(Source：Altoona Mirror)
