2FIRSTS | Editorial says West Virginia’s HB 5437 “Vape Safety Act” goes too far, targeting residency and citizenship provisions
A West Virginia editorial criticizes HB 5437, arguing its residency and citizenship requirements for vape shop owners are excessive.Summary
An editorial in the News and Sentinel argues that West Virginia’s HB 5437, the “Vape Safety Act,” overreaches with provisions barring residency within vape shops and requiring owners to be U.S. citizens. While acknowledging the need for better regulation of the vape shop industry, the editorial contends that the bill’s restrictions are unreasonable. Delegate David McCormick justifies the bill by citing “bad actors” involved in illegal activities and underage sales. However, the editorial points out existing laws already address these issues and that the added political elements could undermine the bill’s effectiveness. It raises concerns about historical precedents of people living above or behind their businesses and the legality of non-citizen workers, suggesting enforcement of current laws is a more appropriate solution.
(Source：2firsts.com)
