Heads Up – News – Updates 3.6.2019

VERMONT: (CALL TO ACTION!) HB 26 would ban direct-to-consumer online sales of vapor products. Expected to be called on floor of Vermont House for a vote on Tuesday, March 12! Click link to message to your representative urging them to oppose this bill!

VT – Stop an Online Sales Ban!

INDIANA: (CALL TO ACTION!) Less than two years after vapor retailers reopened following Indiana’s disastrous attempt to “regulate” the industry, HB 1444 would enact an additional 4¢/mL tax on e-liquid. Take action NOW by sending a message to IN Senators: https://bit.ly/2EOib7s

IN THE NEWS: (HEADS UP!) Federal bill to be introduced this week seeks to ban “flavored” #vaping products nationwide, unless manufacturers can prove flavors are instrumental” & don’t “make vapes more harmful.” No mention of seeking opinion of #vapers.

This bill could ban e-cigarette flavors nationwide – CNN

SPRING HILL, TENNESSEE: (UPDATE) Without any evidence of risk to bystanders nor any explanation of HOW it could prevent teen experimentation, city bans #vaping OUTDOORS in parks.

https://bit.ly/2IRXzPU

OLMSTED COUNTY, MINNESOTA: (HEADS UP!) Officials would deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to the much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products that could actually eliminate #smoking. PUBLIC HEARING on proposed revision on APRIL 2!

Olmsted County Public Health recommends raising the tobacco age to 21

MILLER COUNTY, MISSOURI: (HEADS UP!) MEETING TUESDAY! County Admin asking Eldon & other cities in county to deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to the much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products that could actually eliminate #smoking. 
Eldon board supports raising tobacco purchase age in Miller County

NEW MEXICO: (HEADS UP!) Even with a $1.1 billion surplus, House passes HB 6, which would add #vaping products to the list of “#tobacco products” that can be taxed. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

https://bit.ly/2tTzz4h

LOUISIANA: (HEADS UP!) Bill proposed by Rep. Frank Hoffman for legislative session starting April 8th would deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to the much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products that could actually eliminate #smoking!

https://bit.ly/2TlQhsj

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Rutgers study finds nearly half of surveyed smokers WRONGLY believe #smokefree #tobacco like #snus has same health risks as #smoking. (Unfortunately, that misinformation is disseminated to the public by government & health groups.)

https://bit.ly/2HfBjwQ

WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT: (HEADS UP!) Town Council subcommittee may vote to today deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to the much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products that could actually eliminate #smoking!

https://bit.ly/2NKkWJG

NEBRASKA: (HEADS UP!) Lawmaker seeks to deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to the much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products that could actually eliminate #smoking!

https://bit.ly/2ISOeas

COMMENTARY: (ROSS MARCHAND) “FDA’s Bizarre Ban on E-Cigarettes Would Endanger Millions of Lives – agency can save countless lives, but only if it allows innovators to bring their revolutionary products to market.”
https://bit.ly/2IVSZjq

KENOSHA, WISCONSIN: (UPDATE) Without any evidence of risk to bystanders nor any explanation of HOW it could prevent teen use, city quickly (and pretty quietly) adds #vaping to indoor #smoking ban. (At least this one has some significant exceptions.)

https://bit.ly/2Ez9oF7

SHAWNEE COUNTY, KANSAS: (HEADS UP!) County considering banning #smoking OUTDOORS in parks. No mention of #vaping or #smoking here, but these bans have lately been including one or both. Local advocates should be on the alert!

https://bit.ly/2IPD3PI

ILLINOIS: (HEADS UP!) Bill SB 1864 would prohibit businesses from allowing #vaping in their own establishments. Forcing #vapers outside would also eliminate important incentive for #smokers to switch to the far safer #SMOKEFREE products.

https://bit.ly/2ETAYyp

IN THE NEWS: FDA chief Scott Gottlieb unexpectedly resigns after meeting with White House, reportedly to unveil new FDA rules on #vaping flavors, leaving harm reduction advocates facing even more uncertainty.

https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/432708-fda-chief-scott-gottlieb-resigns-reports

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND: (UPDATE) The slippery slope continues to slide. Without any evidence of risk to bystanders or necessity of intervention, officials prohibit bars & restaurants from allowing use of #vaping products OUTSIDE on patios.

https://bit.ly/2TnwmcG

TEXAS: (HEADS UP!) Bills SB 21 & HB 749 would deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products. HB 749 will be heard Wednesday in Public Affairs Committee!

https://bit.ly/2TjXDMZ

WEST VIRGINIA: (UPDATE) House panel wisely REJECTS bill that would have denied early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products!

https://bit.ly/2HfIeWG

PROVO, UTAH: (HEADS UP!) City Council supports HB 324 and states it is considering passing an ordinance that would deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products if the state bill doesn’t pass.

https://bit.ly/2ETFGMB

NEW YORK: (UPDATE & HEADS UP!) Assembly voted overwhelmingly in support of denying early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products. Backed by governor, bill now heads to the state Senate.

https://bit.ly/2SNxDVh

PLAINFIELD, ILLINOIS: (UPDATE) City denies early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products.

https://bit.ly/2IWjYeS

LITCHFIELD, MINNESOTA: (HEADS UP!) Proposed ordinance would essentially ban ban vape shops, possibly #vaping where #smoking is prohibited & prohibit vape shops from opening within 2,000 ft of a tobacco stores & more.

https://bit.ly/2NN6C38

WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT: (HEADS UP!) Town Council is expected to vote on denying early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products on March 26.

https://bit.ly/2NLMr5P

NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE: (HEADS UP!) Officials decided to table ordinance that would deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products UNTIL APRIL in an effort to allow for more public input.

https://bit.ly/2tUAMso

MANKATO, MINNESOTA: (HEADS UP!) Residents are being asked to take an online survey regarding ordinance to deny early ADULT #smokers & #vapers access to much safer alternative #vaping & #smokefree products. (Last year, Mankato rejected the measure by 4-3.)

https://soundoffmankato.mankatomn.gov/tobacco-21

THE MORE YOU KNOW: (HAWAII) Tobacco 21 appears to be useless policy against so-called “#vaping epidemic” as state now “has the third highest rate of vape use among high school students” in spite of passing T21 in 2016. Somehow, banning flavors will help?

https://bit.ly/2UjX9CI

IN THE NEWS: (OHIO) Proving the point that it’s a losing battle trying to ban products because of teen experimentation – especially at the expense of adult health – officials now worried about “flavored nicotine toothpicks.” 

https://bit.ly/2VIvZpx

THE MORE YOU KNOW: Research is looking at the POSITIVE effects of #nicotine on the brain.

https://www.postandcourier.com/health/could-nicotine-play-a-role-in-combating-early-memory-deterioration/article_352359fe-3e9e-11e9-85a7-dbb53cc006e2.html

ALABAMA: (HEADS UP!) HB41 would regulate #vaping products, including “warning signs in their stores regarding the dangers of #nicotine use and potential risks associated with vaping,” in spite of lack of evidence for dangers/risks.

https://bit.ly/2UpmNq6

MARION, MASSACHUSETTS: (HEADS UP!) At the upcoming meeting, on March 12 at 4:30 pm at the Marion Town House, the Board of Health will consider banning flavored #vaping and #smokefree products in ALL stores.

https://bit.ly/2UkwRjT