Bill > HB0968

This bill introduces comprehensive regulations for vapor products in Tennessee, focusing on several key areas. It establishes a strict age verification process for purchasing vapor products, requiring sellers to check identification for anyone who appears under 50 years old. The bill defines different types of vapor products, including closed-system and open-system products, and creates a detailed directory system managed by the Department of Revenue where manufacturers must certify their products. A new tax structure is implemented, with a 10% tax on vapor products' wholesale cost and a seven-cent per milliliter tax on closed-system vapor products. The legislation also imposes strict advertising restrictions, prohibiting marketing that could appeal to individuals under 21, such as using cartoon characters or food-like branding. Additionally, the bill introduces significant penalties for selling vapor products to minors, including fines up to $20,000 and potential loss of business license for repeated offenses. Manufacturers must now obtain FDA marketing authorization or have a pending premarket tobacco product application to be listed in the state's vapor product directory. Twelve and a half percent of the revenue from vapor product taxes will be allocated to the alcoholic beverage commission, and the law includes provisions for compliance checks and potential product seizure for non-compliant manufacturers or retailers. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with some preparatory provisions taking effect earlier.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0968&ga=114