A legal challenge has temporarily blocked a new Louisiana law imposing strict regulations and taxes on vaping products.
The Louisiana Convenience and Vape Store Association filed for a restraining order against key provisions of the law before it took effect on November 1st.
Louisiana Vaping Law Provisions
The wide-ranging law contains the following vaping regulations:
- Requiring retailers to register all vape products in a state directory
- Banning any unapproved vapes not registered by November 1st
- Increasing taxes on vaping devices and e-liquids
- Giving the Louisiana ATC full oversight over the vaping market
Per the ATC Commissioner, the law aims to curb youth vaping rates and protect public health by restricting access.
But vape retailers argue the short registration deadline and ban on unlisted products would devastate the industry.
Vape Association Lawsuit
To prevent the law from being enforced as-is, the vaping industry association filed suit against the ATC Commissioner and Department of Revenue head.
The lawsuit requests:
- A temporary block on enforcing the law’s provisions
- A permanent injunction preventing the vaping law from taking effect
Plaintiffs claim the tight registration deadline unfairly punishes retailers without adequate time to comply. Banning all unregistered products would wipe out much of the market prematurely.
State Agency Response
Both the ATC and Department of Revenue say they will respect the court process.
The ATC Commissioner vowed to “vigorously defend” the law as a public health protection measure. But enforcement is on hold pending legal resolution.
Likewise, the Revenue Department will follow the judicial ruling regarding tax collection and other fiscal impacts.
What’s Next?
A court hearing is scheduled for November 8th to determine whether to issue a temporary injunction while the overall case proceeds.
If granted, the injunction would block the law’s enforcement until a final verdict is reached.
All sides are awaiting the court’s decision before moving forward.
In the interim, the contested vaping regulations cannot legally take effect, providing temporary relief to Louisiana vape businesses.
The outcome of the lawsuit will determine the long-term status of the stringent new vaping law.
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