Four years after a veto, Alaska lawmakers approve the state's first vape tax
Alaska lawmakers approved a 25% tax on e-cigarettes, four years after a veto, despite criticism over a cigar bar exception.Summary
Alaska's legislature has passed a bill to impose a 25% retail tax on e-cigarettes, marking the state's first such tax after a similar proposal was vetoed four years ago by Gov. Mike Dunleavy. The measure, which also prohibits sales to anyone under 21, is projected to generate between $1.36 million and $3 million annually. However, the bill has drawn criticism from major health organizations, including the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association, due to a provision allowing indoor smoking in designated cigar bars. This exception has raised concerns about secondhand smoke exposure and the potential for young people to access nicotine products through these venues. The bill now awaits the governor's signature.
(Source：Newsbreak)
