Health advocates fighting plan to cut Indiana's vaping tax

Anti-smoking advocates are arguing against a proposal that would reduce Indiana’s new tax on electronic cigarettes before it even takes effect.

The proposal approved by the Republican-dominated state Senate last month would cut the 25% tax charged on cartridges such as Juul devices to 15%. The Legislature approved the higher rate last year to start July 2022.

Health groups urged a House committee on Thursday to keep the 25% rate, saying they believed vaping devices should face taxes similar to cigarettes to discourage young people from using them.

Groups representing e-cigarette retailers said the lower tax rate was needed so that Indiana’s vaping tax was closer to neighboring states.