The vaping landscape in Virginia may undergo significant changes if two proposed bills and a new tax are approved during the 2024 General Assembly session. These measures aim to enhance product safety, restrict the opening of new vape shops near schools and daycare centers, and introduce a tax on nicotine-containing vape products.
State Registry for Vape Products
Representative Rodney Willett, a Democrat from the 58th District, has introduced a bill that would establish a state registry for vape products. Under this legislation, anyone seeking to sell a specific vaping product in Virginia would be required to register it through the Attorney General’s office.
Rep. Willett emphasized that the bill’s purpose is not to debate the merits or drawbacks of vaping but rather to ensure that consumers have access to safe products. “I think people are entitled to know what products they’re using. That’s basically what this bill is doing. Only legal products, only registered products, FDA approved products should be on the shelves of the stores across Virginia,” he stated.
Support from Local Vape Shop Owner
Dawn Morris, the owner of Higher Education, a smoke shop in Charlottesville, expressed support for the proposed bill, viewing it as a means to ensure that all vape shops across central Virginia sell safe products. “There’s so many of them. They’re undercutting prices with really crappy products, and you don’t know what you’re getting. You don’t know if it’s damaging to the individuals. This is a great way to make sure it’s regulated,” Morris said.
Restrictions on New Vape Shop Locations
Another bill that has passed both the House and Senate would prohibit the opening of new vape shops within 1,000 feet of schools or daycare centers. This measure aims to reduce the accessibility of vaping products to minors and protect young individuals from potential exposure to these substances.
Proposed Nicotine Tax
In addition to the two bills, a new $0.06 per milligram of nicotine tax on vape products has been proposed. This tax would generate revenue for the state while potentially discouraging excessive consumption of nicotine-containing vaping products.
Charlottesville resident Richard Parks expressed support for the proposed tax, stating, “I mean look, it’s everywhere. Every single store you go in, there’s a wall of vapes. I say tax, tax, tax, why not?”
The fate of these bills and the proposed tax now lies in the hands of Governor Glenn Youngkin, who will decide whether to sign them into law. If approved, these measures could significantly impact the vaping industry in Virginia, promoting safer products, restricting access for minors, and generating revenue for the state.
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