Bill > H4196

This bill, known as "Modernizing tobacco control", aims to update the state's tobacco control laws in several ways: 1. It imposes an excise tax of 75% of the wholesale price on electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes) and requires licensing of e-cigarette distributors and retailers. The bill also allows the state to seize and destroy untaxed e-cigarettes. 2. It mandates that state employee health plans and Medicaid cover tobacco cessation counseling and products without cost-sharing. Private insurers are also required to cover these tobacco cessation benefits. 3. The bill bans the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, except for on-site consumption at smoking bars. It also limits the nicotine concentration in e-cigarettes sold to consumers. 4. The bill increases penalties for violations related to unlicensed sales or distribution of e-cigarettes and other tobacco products. 5. The bill directs 30% of the e-cigarette excise tax revenue to a Community Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention Trust Fund. Overall, the bill seeks to modernize the state's tobacco control laws to address the rise of e-cigarettes and youth vaping, while also expanding access to tobacco cessation resources.

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H4196