Controversial Vaping Bill Headed To Pence For Consideration

Staff report -- TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS – The makers and sellers of e-liquids used for vaping and electronic cigarettes would face licensing and new regulations under legislation moving to Gov. Mike Pence for consideration.

House Bill 1432 bans the sale of e-liquids to minors and requires manufacturers to get a permit from the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission before bottling or selling. Businesses would pay $1,000 for the permit, which would be good for five years. Renewals would cost $500.

The legislation also requires manufactures to use specified safety equipment and childproof caps and provide extra security where the e-liquid is manufactured.

Sen. Carlin Yoder, R-Middlebury, and Rep. Kevin Mahan, R-Hartford City, spent months working with e-liquid manufacturers on the bill. Yoder said last week that the final language is fair and balanced and brings security and legitimacy into the e-liquid field.

But some manufactures and retailers have said the regulations are too onerous and will drive some mom-and-pop shops out of business.

The House passed the bill 73-14 on Thursday after the Senate approved it 33-15 the previous week. Pence can sign the bill into law, veto it or let it become law without his signature.

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