Legislation regulating people who manufacture and sell liquids used in e-cigarettes took a step closer to the governor’s desk Tuesday. Its Senate sponsor says the bill tries to find a middle ground in regulating a new industry.
The manufacturing of e-liquids, also called vaping liquids, is largely unregulated by the state.
Legislation approved by the Senate would impose bottling and labeling requirements, including the use of child-proof safety caps, create a licensing system, and require stringent security measures.
Sen. Vaneta Becker, R-Evansville, says vape shop owners in her community argue the new requirements are too costly and will force them to shut down.
And she says there may be issues with enforcement by the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.
“I asked the ATC how they were going to enforce this bill and they told me they have no idea,” Becker says.
The bill’s sponsor Sen. Carlin Yoder, R-Middlebury, says that will be a challenge the state must meet to legitimize the industry.
“It will prevent those bad actors from destroying this business, which is what will happen if there’s no regulation at all in this,” Yoder says.
The bill’s House author Kevin Mahan, R-Hartford City, says he hasn’t decided whether to agree to changes made in the Senate or take the measure to conference committee.
