2015 Concluded CTA's

[Robino1]

URGENT - New York City is Considering Banning the Sale of Flavored E-Cigarettes and e-liquids

From CASAA:

On October 7, 2014, Councilman Constantinides introduced an ordinance that would ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and flavored e-liquids in the five boroughs. As is often the case, flavor bans like this are poorly researched and fail to account for the fact that practically ALL e-liquid is “flavored”. Furthermore, this ordinance fails to carve out an exemption for dedicated vapor shops, allowing sales by tobacco bars only.

In short, this would mean the end of vapor sales in New York City as we know it. The ordinance has been referred to the Committee on Health, and it is possible (if not likely) that this proposed ordinance will be heard in committee on Thursday, October 23, 2014. Tri-State area advocates are strongly encouraged to plan to attend.

Call to Action: CASAA: Call to Action: New York City is Considering Banning the Sale of Flavored E-Cigarettes and E-Liquids

ECF Discussion: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/legislation-news/611286-nyc-ban-flavored-ecigs.html

 

[Robino1]

National Call to Action: Urge lawmakers to change the TCA Grandfather Date

This is a 2 part CTA

1st: Send an email to your federal representative and senator asking them to reconsider the grandfather date established in the Tobacco Control Act.

In the CASAA blog, they have made it easy for you to do this just follow the link in the Blog.

2nd: Add your name to CASAA's "Thank you" letter for Boehner, McCarthy and Upton. http://cqrcengage.com/casaa/app/sign...gementId=71484




Call to Action: http://blog.casaa.org/2014/12/call-to-action-ask-your-legislators-to.html

ECF Discussion in the CASAA Forum: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...ators-support-change-tobacco-control-act.html

ECF Discussion in the FDA Regulations Forum: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...athering-date-april-2014-time-final-rule.html

 

[Robino1]

URGENT - UPDATE: New Orleans

The Community Development Committee met and voted (3-2) to recommend the proposed smoking/vaping ban (with amendments) to the full City Council.

The City Council could consider the matter as soon as January 22, 2015, so it is important you act NOW to share your views. You don't need to live in New Orleans in order to participate in this Call to Action!

_____________________________________________________
New Orleans, Louisiana CTA: Ban on E-cigarette use wherever smoking is prohibited

New Orleans, Louisiana this coming Wednesday, January 7th at 10:00 AM, City Council to meet and take testimony on an ordinance that will ban smoking in all public workplaces in the city, but would also senselessly ban vaping everywhere "smoking" is banned.

The ordinance would also exempt tobacco retailers from the 'smoking' ban, but NOT specialty vapor retailers.

Please take a moment now to write and/or call the members of the City Council to voice your opposition to the e-cigarette usage ban. In the Call to Action linked below, you will find a list of ways to contact the City Council, ‘Advocacy Suggestions,’ and suggested points to make in your email/phone call.

Call to Action:

http://blog.casaa.org/2015/01/new-orleans-louisiana-call-to-action.html

ECF Discussion:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...igarette-use-wherever-smoking-prohibited.html


CONCLUDED: Unsuccessfully

 

[Robino1]

URGENT: CTA: Montana SB66 to include e-cigarettes in the state's definition of "tobacco products".

Although this bill seeks to prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes to minors, the wording of the bill carelessly and inappropriately confuses low-risk smoke-free e-cigarettes with traditional cigarettes by referring to these products as "electronic smoking devices".

This could have far-reaching negative consequences and would set terrible precedent for future legislation.

A hearing on SB 66 will be held before the Business, Labor, and Economic Affairs Committee on Monday, January 19th at 8:00 AM in Room 422 of the Capitol Building at 1301 East 6th Avenue in Helena, MT 59601.


Direct link to email campaign: Send a Message
Direct link to phone campaign: Call an Official

Call to Action:

CASAA: Montana Call to Action! SB 66 Would Redefine E-Cigarettes as "Tobacco Products"

ECF Discussion:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/legislation-news/640148-casaa-call-action-issued-montana.html

 

[Robino1]

URGENT: Michigan vapers need to immediately contact Governor Rick Snyder's office and ask him to sign Senate Bill 668.

The bill will prohibit minors from purchasing vapor products. CASAA supports this bill and has worked to achieve passage of this common sense regulation.

Direct link to email campaign: Send a Message

Direct link to phone campaign: Call an Official

Call to Action:

CASAA: Call to Action! We need Michigan vapers to immediately contact Governor Rick Snyder's office and ask him to sign Senate Bill 668.

ECF Discussion:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...40188-casaa-call-action-michigan-updated.html

 

[Robino1]

URGENT: New York State has multiple bills that intend to severely impact the electronic cigarette industry by subjecting 'e-cigarette cartridges' to a 75% wholesale tax and completely ban the sale of refill liquids.

Assembly Bill 296 & Senate Bill 722 would redefine a taxed “tobacco product” to include “e-cigarette cartridges,” subjecting them to New York State’s 75% wholesale tax on “tobacco products.”

This is likely due to the introduction, yet again, of a bill (AB 635) to prohibit the sale of all bottled refill liquids. While there is an exemption provided for instate manufacturers that may allow liquid manufacturers in New York to continue doing business, vapers in New York State would still be unable to buy e-liquid products from retailers within the state. An almost identical bill made its way through an Assembly committee last year.

CASAA Call to Action:

CASAA: New York Call To Action: NY State Bills threaten consumer choice and subject e-cigarettes to tobacco taxes

ECF Discussion:

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...hoice-subject-e-cigarettes-tobacco-taxes.html

Additional legislation may be proposed. Please watch for additional updates to this Call to Action.

___________

UPDATE:

As warned New bills are being introduced: CASAA: New York Call To Action: NY State Bills threaten consumer choice and subject e-cigarettes to tobacco taxes

AB 1496 has been introduced by Assemblywoman Rosenthal. It would ban indoor and some outdoor vaping.

 

[Robino1]

URGENT - UPDATED: Indiana is introducing two bills. One will be to impose a tax on nicotine contained in e-liquid and the other to define 'smoking' to include 'inhalation or exhalation of vapors from an electronic cigarette'.


1) Indiana Senator Brandt Hershman has introduced a bill (SB 384) Indiana General Assembly, 2015 Session that would impose a tax on nicotine contained in e-cigarette liquid. Although the tax rate, $0.0083 per mg of nicotine, may seem modest, the imposition of any taxes on vapor products beyond state sales tax sends the dangerous and false message to smokers that use of these products is risky or harmful. Adoption of this bill will also set a dangerous precedent, as it is always easier for politicians to raise a preexisting tax than it is to pass a new tax.

Take Action: Send a Message


2) Representative Clyde Kersey has introduced a bill (HB1169):Indiana General Assembly, 2015 Session that alters the state’s definition of “smoking” to include “...inhalation or exhalation of vapors from an electronic cigarette.” Despite the long list of exemptions to Indiana’s smoking law, HB 1169 does not amend any of them to account for independent vapor retailers. Regardless of any language along these lines that may develop, CASAA opposes this bill on the grounds that defining “vaping” as “smoking” is a deliberate misrepresentation that harms public awareness of the benefits these products offer to adult smokers.

Take Action - Send an Email: Send a Message
Take Action - Make a Call: Call an Official

Call to Action: CASAA: Indiana Call to Action: Multiple Indiana bills would threaten access to and use of e-cigarettes.

ECF Discussion: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...s-would-threaten-access-use-e-cigarettes.html

_____

 

[Robino1]

The Call's to Action for 2015 will be housed here after they are concluded. This will free up the Roundup Thread for easier viewing.

 

[Robino1]

URGENT: Montgomery Co., Maryland - Indoor Use Ban

A hearing is scheduled for January 22, 2015 at 7:30 PM for Bill 56-14. *If you plan to testify, you must sign up by 10:00 AM on the 22nd. The location is Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, 5th Floor, Rockville, MD 20850.

If enacted, this bill would:

Prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes in most public places (vape shops are exempted)

• In general, and given the lack of evidence that would suggest e-cigarette use may be harmful to bystanders, CASAA feels that business owners should have the right to set their own “vaping policy.” **Please see the talking points below.

Require child-resistant packaging of liquid nicotine containers:

• Although CASAA is generally supportive of child-resistant packaging, this issue would be more appropriate for federal lawmakers. Enacting packaging laws at the county level, let alone at the state level, presents a potential hurdle for interstate commerce and may impact consumer choice. If Montgomery Co. Council must pursue this measure, it should clearly be in line with federal standards.

Prohibit the use of electronic cigarettes by minors

• It should be noted that legislation (SB 7) has been introduced at the state level to ban sales of e-cigarettes to minors. CASAA supports prohibiting sales to minors.

This bill can be salvaged. Maryland residents have already defeated similar indoor use bans at the State level in both 2010 and 2014 (bills died in committee), as well as at the municipal levels in Prince Georges County in 2013 (in the form of tabling the bill) and in Baltimore City in 2014 (in the form of a compromise).

Send an email: (see link here: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...on-montgomery-co-maryland-indoor-use-ban.html )

Please call and leave voicemails for Council members: Phone numbers

_______
Call to Action: CASAA: CASAA Call to Action: Montgomery Co., Maryland - Indoor Use Ban

ECF Discussion: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...on-montgomery-co-maryland-indoor-use-ban.html

 

[Robino1]

UPDATED: Indiana is introducing two bills. One will be to impose a tax on nicotine contained in e-liquid and the other to define 'smoking' to include 'inhalation or exhalation of vapors from an electronic cigarette'.

1) Indiana Senator Brandt Hershman has introduced a bill (SB 384) Indiana General Assembly, 2015 Session that would impose a tax on nicotine contained in e-cigarette liquid. Although the tax rate, $0.0083 per mg of nicotine, may seem modest, the imposition of any taxes on vapor products beyond state sales tax sends the dangerous and false message to smokers that use of these products is risky or harmful. Adoption of this bill will also set a dangerous precedent, as it is always easier for politicians to raise a preexisting tax than it is to pass a new tax.

Take Action: Send a Message

2) Representative Clyde Kersey has introduced a bill (HB1169):Indiana General Assembly, 2015 Session that alters the state’s definition of “smoking” to include “...inhalation or exhalation of vapors from an electronic cigarette.” Despite the long list of exemptions to Indiana’s smoking law, HB 1169 does not amend any of them to account for independent vapor retailers. Regardless of any language along these lines that may develop, CASAA opposes this bill on the grounds that defining “vaping” as “smoking” is a deliberate misrepresentation that harms public awareness of the benefits these products offer to adult smokers.

Take Action - Send an Email: Send a Message
Take Action - Make a Call: Call an Official
___________
UPDATE: NEW BILLS INTRODUCED

Two identical bills, SB 539 and HB 1432, have been introduced in the Indiana Legislature that threaten to overregulate the manufacturing of e-liquid products. These bills would prohibit the sale of any e-liquid product -- including those manufactured outside the state -- unless it is produced by a company that has procured a manufacturer’s license from the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ACT). Not only does this license cost $5,000, but the conditions that must be met to receive the license are unrealistic and present a substantial barrier for small- and medium-sized businesses throughout Indiana. Ultimately, these bills will severely limit consumer access to the variety of e-liquid manufactured outside the state and potentially shut down retailers and manufacturers in Indiana.

Take Action - Send an email
Take Action - Make a call

**CASAA is currently monitoring additional legislation in Indiana. A punitive and destructive 24% wholesale tax has been proposed. However, no bill has been introduced nor has draft language been made available. As soon as they have details we will issue an update to this Call to Action.

CASAA is also aware of HB 1235, which is another attempt to prohibit indoor use, impose punitive taxes, and limit consumer access by not allowing businesses to sell tobacco (including e-cigarettes) if there is a pharmacy on the premises. CASAA's assessment is that the scope of this bill is so unreasonable (some provisions include allowing employers to discriminate against nicotine users) that it will not pose a credible threat. However, CASAA will continue to monitor HB 1235 and update this Call to Action should the need arise.
_________________
UPDATE

A hearing on SB 539 (unreasonable licensing regulations) in the Senate Commerce and Technology Committee is scheduled for this THURSDAY, the 29th, at 9:00 AM in Room 233 of the Indiana State Capitol Building (115 West Washington St in Indianapolis).

Please take a moment to make a call to the Chair of the committee, Senator James Buck. You can reach his office at: 1-800-382-9467
_____________
UPDATE 3/3/15

HB 1432 (companion to SB 539) will be heard in the Senate Public Policy Committee WEDNESDAY, 3/4/15, at 1:00 PM in Room 431. Click here for the agenda.

Hoosier Vapers is calling for Indiana vapers to gather at the Statehouse in Indianapolis on Wednesday, 3/4/15, at 11:45 eastern (in the rotunda, just past security check). For details and for the most up-to-date information, check out Hoosier Vapers on Facebook.
____________
UPDATE - CASAA has updated the Indiana Call to Action (3/19/15):

SB 539 and HB 1432 are moving toward floor votes and both bills are still written to gut the vapor industry in Indiana. To complicate matters, the lobbyists that are pushing these bills are attempting to convince legislators that they have “compromised” with both consumers and the Indiana e-liquid industry. This is not true.

Please take a moment to call your senator and representatives and let them know that they should NOT support either of these bills.

Oppose SB 539 & HB 1432 - Make a Call

Call to Action: CASAA: Indiana Call to Action: Multiple Indiana bills would threaten access to and use of e-cigarettes.

ECF Discussion: Indiana Call to Action: Multiple Indiana bills would threaten access to and use of e-cigarettes. | E-Cigarette Forum
______________________
UPDATE 3/23/15

CASAA Updated Call to Action 03.23.15

HB 1432 (same as SB 539) is still moving toward a vote on the Senate floor and the bill is still written to gut the vapor industry in Indiana. Even if you have previously taken action on this issue, please take a moment to send an email and call your Indiana State Senator again and let them know that you want them to Oppose HB 1432.

• Oppose HB 1432 - Send an Email
  
• Oppose HB 1432 - Make a Call

____________________
UPDATE 3/24/15

Indiana Vapers,
Your presence is requested!
The biggest threat to e-liquid access is happening in your state
and we need your help!
★ ★ ★​

This Thursday, March 26 at 1:30 PM, vapers and small business owners from across the state will participate in a rally outside the State House in Indianapolis. We need to send a strong signal to the Indiana Legislature that HB 1432 and SB 539 are anti-consumer and will harm public health.

Can't make it to the State House? Even if you've already made a phone call on the matter, we need you to call your Indiana State Senator one more time. They need to know that they have passionate (but respectful) constituents that truly care about how they vote on this issue.

______________________
URGENT UPDATE - (Update - 04.20.15)

HB 1432, which would destroy the vapor industry in Indiana and essentially ban the sale of e-liquids produced out-of-state, is expected to be transmitted to Governor Pence’s office this week. It is of critical importance that ALL vapers, their friends, and family members take this opportunity to contact the Governor and respectfully insist that he VETO this bill.

• Veto HB 1432 - Send an Email

• Veto HB 1432 - Make a Call

Call to Action: CASAA: Indiana Call to Action: Multiple Indiana bills would threaten access to and use of e-cigarettes.

ECF Discussion: Indiana Call to Action: Multiple Indiana bills would threaten access to and use of e-cigarettes. | E-Cigarette Forum


(Writing Tip #1) If you have a lot to say, please craft your email in a separate word doc and then copy/paste it into the field provided. If you take too long, they system will time out and you will lose your work.
(Writing Tip #2) Although we've provided a prewritten email with compelling talking points, we would strongly encourage you to edit the email because personalized communications to legislators are far more persuasive than form letters. At a minimum, PLEASE INSERT YOUR PERSONAL STORY (just a few sentences) in the text of your email.

 

[Robino1]

URGENT Alaska two bills have been introduced that threaten to ban vaping wherever smoking is banned.

Alaska Senator Peter Micciche (R-Soldotna) has again introduced a bill (SB 1) that would ban vaping by including it within Alaska’s definition of “smoking.” This provision is tucked inside a larger bill that would significantly expand Alaska’s existing statewide smoking restrictions. If this bill passes, bars, restaurants and workplaces throughout Alaska will no longer be able to decide for themselves whether to allow or disallow vaping.

** SB 1 has been assigned to the Senate Health and Social Services Committee. At this time, no hearing has been scheduled. CASAA will update this Call to Action as they learn more.


In the Alaska House, Representative Bob Herron (D-Bethel) has introduced a bill (HB 40) to add “using an e-cigarette” to Alaska’s definition of “smoking.” In contrast to SB 1, HB 40 would not expand Alaska’s existing smoking ban. It is not only wrong to define the use of a smoke-free product as “smoking,” but any future changes to Alaska’s smoking ban would automatically also include vaping.

Take Action to oppose both of these bills: Send an email
_________________________
UPDATE

Alaska SB 1 being heard in committee on March 11, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. and HB 40 being heard March 10, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. Not allowing testimony from what we can see, but writing letters is always important. Alaska has public opinion message system, which allows you to send messages of 50 words or less. Also, can participate in hearings via teleconference system
_________________________
UPDATE

(Update - 03/30/15)

Both bills that would include vaping in Alaska’s smoking law, SB 1 and HB 40, are scheduled for committee hearings on Thursday, April 2nd.

• SB 1: 9:00 AM, Senate State Affairs Committee, Butrovich 205.
  • Testimony is by invitation only.
• HB 40: 3:00 PM, House Health & Social Services Committee, Capitol 106.
  • Public Testimony.
    
  • Teleconferencing is available. Please contact your Legislative Information Office for details.

Oppose HB 40 and SB 1 - Send an Email
____________________
UPDATE: Heads up, folks . . . another update:

(Update - 04.14.15)

Tomorrow, Wednesday, April 15th, 2015 at 8:30 a.m., there will be a hearing on SB 1 (which would ban e-cigarette use in public places and workplaces across the state).

• If you haven’t already done so, please send an email.

This hearing will be via teleconference in the Senate State Affairs Committee, and the teleconference number that has been provided to us is 844-586-9085. You can contact your Legislative Information Office for details.

Your lawmakers need to hear from YOU, a taxpaying citizen of Alaska and a vaper. Please try to find the time to testify via teleconference.


Call to Action: CASAA: Alaska Call to Action: Two bills have been introduced that threaten to ban vaping wherever smoking is banned!

ECF Discussion: Alaska Call to Action: Two bills have been introduced that threaten to ban vaping wherever smoking is banned! | E-Cigarette Forum

 

[Robino1]

URGENT - Oregon Call to Action

Oregon’s legislative session begins on Monday, February 2nd, and already a handful of damaging e-cigarette related bills have been pre-filed. This year, Oregon vapers are facing flavor bans, taxes, use bans, packaging restrictions, and the introduction of a new and exciting derogatory term (“Inhalant Delivery System”) used to define the vapor product category. CASAA is anticipating updating this call to action several times.

HB 2546 has been scheduled for a hearing on Monday, February 9th, 1:00 pm
at the Oregon State Capitol (900 Court Street NE, Room 453, Salem, Oregon 97301). Please plan to attend this hearing.

Although CASAA generally supports banning sales to minors, HB 2546 would include provisions that ban indoor use in public places (which includes privately-owned businesses) as well as in personal vehicles where a minor is present. Please take action now to oppose this bill.

Take Action - Send a Message

Call to Action: CASAA: Oregon Call to Action: Multiple bills threaten access, awareness, and availability of vapor products
_____________
UPDATE 3/6/15:

Heads up, Oregon . . . we've updated the CASAA Call to Action--

Oregon Senate Bill 190 would enact an online sales ban for electronic cigarettes as well as smokeless tobacco. Although we tend to take it for granted that vapor retail shops are easy to find and increasingly accessible, access to combustible cigarettes is still greater. There are thousands of consumers that depend on having products delivered to their door so they can continue to live smoke-free.

SB 190 has been set for a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, 3/9/15, at 8:30 A.M., 900 Court St. NE, Salem, Oregon 97301, Room HR 343. We encourage vapers and tobacco harm reduction advocates to attend the hearing.

Oppose SB 190 - Send an Email

If you are submitting written testimony:
Bring 10 copies with you to the hearing
Email your testimony to mike.reiley@state.or.us.

As a sign of respect, CASAA asks that you refrain from vaping in the building.
____________
UPDATE - SB 415 and HB 2546 are scheduled for a public hearing on MONDAY, March 23rd, at 3:00 PM in the Senate Committee on Health in Hearing Room (HR) A of the State Legislature in Salem. Please make plans to attend this hearing. (As a sign of respect, we request that you refrain from vaping in the building.)

Please take action NOW by sending emails to the committee and your state senator.

Oppose SB 415 & HB 2546 - Send an Email

SB 415 would ban the sales of e-cigarette flavors other than tobacco and menthol. The bill also specifies that the Oregon Health Authority may impose fines of up to $5000 for each violation. Furthermore, like other anti-vapor bills in Oregon, HB 415 refers to vapor products as “Inhalant Delivery Systems”, a derogatory and intentionally misleading term.

HB 2546 would include vaping in the state’s indoor clean air act. This bill has already passed the House. This bill is so extreme that it does not even include an exemption for vape shops.

Call to Action: CASAA: Oregon Call to Action (URGENT): Take Action NOW to oppose 2 bills that would SEVERELY limit access to and use of vapor products!

ECF Discussion: Oregon Call to Action - Multiple bills threaten access, awareness, and availability of vapor products | E-Cigarette Forum
_________________
URGENT - We updated the Oregon Call to Action today (3-28-15):

SB 415 (ban on sales of flavored e-liquid) is scheduled for a work session and will likely move to a vote in the Senate Committee on Health Care on Monday, March 30th at 3:00PM. Although an amendment has been introduced that would remove the prohibition on flavored e-liquid SB 415 would still prohibit the sale of other flavored low-risk, smoke-free products AND this bill lays the foundation for future prohibition of flavored vapor products. Please take a moment to send an email to the committee and your state senator urging them to reject SB 415.

• Oppose SB 415 - Send an Email

HB 2546 (indoor use ban) remains unamended. We have updated our call to action to include an email worded in opposition to this bill specifically. Please take a moment now to send it to members of the committee and your state senator.

• Oppose HB 2546 - Send an Email

__________________
URGENT - new Call to Action for you.

HB 2074 and HB 2134 would expand Oregon’s definition of “tobacco products” to include “vapor products” for the purpose of imposing a 65% wholesale tax on e-cigarette liquid and devices. Imagine paying more than $1/ml on your next bottle of e-liquid or $165 for a $100 mod.

Both of these bills are scheduled to be heard in the House Revenue Committee.

Monday, April 6th
1:00 PM
House Room - A (HR A)
900 Court St. NE
Salem, OR 97301​

Please take 3 minutes to send a fully editable email to your representative urging them to oppose these bills.

• Oppose Vapor Taxes in Oregon - Send an Email

If you live in a district represented by someone on the committee, you will receive an additional alert prompting you to take action. It is vitally important that you especially take action due to the fact that legislators consider the views of their constituents with greater weight.


Call to Action: CASAA: Oregon Call to Action! Oppose 2 bills that would enact a 65% wholesale tax on vapor products.[/FONT]

ECF Discussion: Oregon Call to Action - Multiple bills threaten access, awareness, and availability of vapor products | E-Cigarette Forum


(Writing Tip #1) If you have a lot to say, please craft your email in a separate word doc and then copy/paste it into the field provided. If you take too long, they system will time out and you will lose your work.
(Writing Tip #2) Although we've provided a prewritten email with compelling talking points, we would strongly encourage you to edit the email because personalized communications to legislators are far more persuasive than form letters. At a minimum, PLEASE INSERT YOUR PERSONAL STORY (just a few sentences) in the text of your email.

 

[Robino1]

URGENT - Virginia
House Bill 2036 is scheduled for a hearing on Monday, February 2nd at 4:00 p.m., 7th Floor West Conference Room in the House Agriculture Sub-Committee. HB 2036 would require all “liquid nicotine” sold in Virginia to be contained in Child-Resistant Packaging (CRP) as well as require specific warning labels. These regulations are to be developed by the Board of Agriculture.

Although CASAA is generally supportive of CRP, they strongly recommend that this regulation be implemented at the national level or, at the very least, be developed in a manner that is consistent with existing federal law (e.g. the Poison Prevention Packaging Act). Labeling requirements, like CRP, are best implemented at the national level in order to prevent a patchwork of state regulation that creates barriers to interstate trade and limits adult access to the variety of vapor products.

Please take action now to oppose this bill

• 
  
  • Oppose HB 2036 - Send an Email

Call to Action: CASAA: Virginia Call to Action: Oppose HB 2036 - A Labeling and Packaging law that would impact consumer choice

ECF Discussion: Call to Action - Virginia: Oppose HB 2036 | E-Cigarette Forum

 

[Robino1]

URGENT - North Dakota
Call to Action: Two bills, HB 1421 and SB 2322, have been introduced into the North Dakota Legislature that would raise the tax on "other tobacco products" (OTP) to a punitive 43.5% and 50% on wholesale, respectively. There is some ambiguity as to whether e-cigarettes are included in these bills by altering the state's definition of OTP to include "any product which is made up or composed of tobacco, in whole or in part", however, CASAA expects amendments will be offered to ensure that e-cigarettes are indeed included. The issue was debated in the Assembly this past week in relation to another tax-related bill.

It is likely that amendments will be offered to specifically tax vapor products. We need to fight the bills themselves which nearly double the tax on low-risk, smoke-free OTP products like snus.

HB 1421 will be heard in the House Finance & Taxation Committee on Tuesday, Feb 2nd.
SB 2322 will be heard in the Senate Finance & Taxation Committee on Wednesday, Feb 3rd

Take action
Oppose HB 1421 Send an Email
Oppose SB 2322 Send and Email​

Call to Action: CASAA: North Dakota Call to Action: Two bills threaten to hike wholesale taxes on OTP and impose taxes on E-cigarettes.

ECF Discussion: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...p-impose-taxes-e-cigarettes.html#post15162650
_____________
UPDATE: We have received word that SB 2322 -- a 50% tax on OTP that has been expanded to include e-cigarette devices and liquid -- has likely been scheduled for a hearing on MONDAY, 2/16/15 in the Senate Appropriations Committee. Even if this bill fails in the committee, it will still advance to the full senate. The House “companion bill” (HB1421) could be heard on the floor of the House this coming Wednesday as well.

Please take action now to oppose these bills! It is crucial that North Dakota advocates make phone calls and send emails to their senators.

• Oppose SB 2322 - Make a Call
• Oppose SB 2322 - Send an Email
• Oppose HB 1421 - Send an Email

If you plan to attend the hearings, please see here for tips on testifying in ND Committee hearings.

____________________
NEW URGENT CTA - Like several states this year, North Dakota is considering bills to ban sales of e-cigarettes to minors. One of these bills, HB 1186, has some problems that need to be addressed, including provisions that would severely limit online sales of vapor products and deceptively define smoke-free vapor products as “electronic smoking devices.” Given the predominantly rural environment of North Dakota, this would likely restrict access to these smoke-free products for tens of thousands of residents.

Of course, this bill is being promoted as a means to protect children but, in reality, it will only protect combustible cigarettes which are readily available in thousands of locations throughout the state.

Please take action NOW to urge North Dakota lawmakers to amend HB 1186

• Amend HB 1186 - Send an Email

Call to Action: CASAA: North Dakota Call to Action: HB 1186 needs to be amended to protect adult access to vapor products.

ECF Discussion: North Dakota Call to Action: HB 1186 needs to be amended to protect adult access to vapor products. | E-Cigarette Forum

 

[Robino1]

URGENT- Wyoming Call to Action: Oppose a bill that would raise the tax on smokeless tobacco by 100+%

This Wednesday morning, members of the Wyoming Legislature’s Joint Revenue Committee will likely vote on a bill (HB 173) that wouldmore than double the tax on smokeless tobacco products like snus sold in the state (from 20% to 40% of wholesale).

To be clear, this bill does NOT tax e-cigarettes and vapor products. CASAA advocates for all low-risk, smoke-free products, and CASAA strongly urge all harm reduction advocates to join us in opposing this bill.

• Oppose HB 173 - Send an Email

Call to Action: CASAA: Wyoming Call to Action: Oppose a bill that would raise the tax on smokeless tobacco by 100+%

ECF Discussion: Wyoming Call to Action: Oppose a bill that would raise the tax on smokeless tobacco by 100+% | E-Cigarette Forum

 

[Robino1]

URGENT - Vermont Call to Action

A bill (HB 59) that would ban the sale of flavored e-liquid, with the sole exception of menthol, has been introduced in Vermont by Representatives Komline, Clarkson, Krowinski, Poirier, and Till. Even though this bill would practically eliminate all vapor products and vapor retailers in Vermont, flavored cigars, pipe tobacco, and hookah products would continue to be legally available.

This is government at its most dangerous -- leaving cigarettes freely available on the market while banning the vast majority of the products that actually help smokers quit.

Take action:

• Oppose HB 59 - Send an Email

Please take action now to protect consumer access to most effective smoke-free products in Vermont.
(Please note: CASAA is anticipating additional legislation will be introduced in Vermont. CASAA will update the Call to Action as details emerge.)

__________
Update - Vermont House Bill 233 would tax “tobacco substitutes” (vapor products containing nicotine) at an outrageous 92% of wholesale price. This is the same rate paid on “other tobacco products” in Vermont. A similar proposal nearly passed the Legislature last year. HB233 is currently before the House Ways & Means Committee. This bill could be moved on as early as this week (week of 3/16)!

Please take action now to oppose this outrageous tax on low-risk vapor products in Vermont!

Oppose HB 233 - Send an Email

Please also make respectful phone calls to members of the House Ways & Means Committee to tell your story and ask for their ‘No’ vote on HB 233. Please keep in mind that these phone numbers are the personal contact lines for these legislators. Please call during normal business hours ONLY.

Oppose HB 233 - Make a Call
________________
URGENT UPDATE:

Vermont (Updated) Call to Action:

SB139 squeaked out of the House with an amendment that would impose a 46% tax on e-cigarettes as wells a ban vaping in indoor public places throughout the state. The bill is being returned to the Senate for concurrence.

Please take action now to urge the Vermont Senate to REJECT the changes made in the house.

Send an Email
Make a Call
TAKE ACTION!

Call to Action: CASAA: Vermont Call to Action: Take Action Now to oppose attempt to limit adult access to e-cigarettes

ECF Discussion: Vermont Call to Action | E-Cigarette Forum

______________________

(Writing Tip #1) If you have a lot to say, please craft your email in a separate word doc and then copy/paste it into the field provided. If you take too long, they system will time out and you will lose your work.
(Writing Tip #2) Although we've provided a prewritten email with compelling talking points, we would strongly encourage you to edit the email because personalized communications to legislators are far more persuasive than form letters. At a minimum, PLEASE INSERT YOUR PERSONAL STORY (just a few sentences) in the text of your email.

 

[Robino1]

URGENT - Maryland Call to Action. This has nothing to do with the Montgomery County CTA issued earlier.

This has to do with a Statewide indoor vape ban.

HB 26, a bill that would prohibit the use of vapor products in all indoor spaces open to the public, will be heard in the Maryland House Economic Matters Committee on Wednesday, February 11th at 1:00 PM.In addition to prohibiting use in tens of thousands of Maryland workplaces, as it is currently written, this bill will not provide an exemption for vapor shops.

Last year, a practically identical bill was introduced by the same sponsor. Thanks to a strong showing by vapers, the bill was defeated in committee. However, 2015 is a new year and new legislators have been elected, so we need vapers to act now and help us defeat HB 26.

Please take action now to oppose this bill and make plans to attend the hearing on the 11th.(see the link for address details)

Oppose HB 26 - Send an Email

Call to Action: CASAA: Maryland Call to Action: Take action to oppose a statewide indoor vape ban. Oppose HB 26!

ECF Discussion: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...statewide-indoor-vaping-ban.html#post15195823

Concluded favorably: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...oor-vape-ban-oppose-hb-26-a.html#post15488825

 

[Robino1]

URGENT - Nevada to introduce a State Bill to impose a 30% wholesale tax on vapor products.

Please take action now to tell your representatives in the Nevada State Legislature that taxing life saving vapor products is bad policy!

A new bill (SB 79) would tax all products containing “liquid nicotine” at 30% of wholesale price, the same rate that Nevada applies to combustible tobacco products like cigars and loose tobacco. By raising the price of these smoke-free products, enactment of SB 79 would send a confusing message to Nevada’s 400,000+ current smokers that vaping is as harmful as combustible products taxed at a similar rate. As a result, less smokers will be inclined to try these low-risk alternatives and will continue to smoke.

The Senate Committee on Revenue & Economic Development has been scheduled for a hearing on SB 79 for Thursday, February 12th at 3:30 pm. There are two ways that you can attend and/or testify at the hearing:

1. Room 1214 of the State Legislative Building, 401 S. Carson St. in Carson City; or
2. Via video conference in Room 4412E of the Grant Sawyer State Office Building, 555 E. Washington Ave., in Las Vegas.

CASAA strongly encourages its Nevada members to participate in this hearing.

Please take action NOW to oppose this bill. CASAA recommends sending an email through our engagement system, and then submitting the text of that email as a formal comment on the Legislature’s website. Please do Both

• Oppose SB 79 - Send an Email
• Submit a formal comment opposing SB 79

CASAA expects additional bills to be introduced this year, including bills to tax vapor products like cigarettes, to add vaping to Nevada’s smoking prohibitions, and a bill dealing with youth access. CASAA will update its Nevada members when these bills are ready for action.


Call to Action: CASAA: Nevada Call to Action! SB 79 would impose a 30% wholesale tax on vapor products

ECF Discussion: Nevada CTA - SB 79 introduced to impose a 30% wholesale tax on vapor products | E-Cigarette Forum

 

[Robino1]

URGENT - Washington introduces two bills that threaten access and variety of vapor products.

-Two identical bills have been introduced in the Washington House and Senate (HB 1645 & SB 5573). These bills appear to represent what Gov. Inslee wants the Legislature to include when it passes the 2016 budget. These bills would (among other things):

Please take action NOW to protect vaping from these harmful proposals. With an issue as important as this, CASAA is asking vapers not to only send an email, but make phone calls to your State Senator, two State Representatives, and members of both committees asking that they oppose the Governor’s proposed 95% tax on vapor products.
[/FONT]
Take Acton:

• Oppose HB 1645 & SB 5573 - Send an Email

Take Action:

• Please call members of the House Commerce and Gaming Committee
• Please call members of the Senate Health Care Committee

• Please call your Senator and Representatives

Call to Action: CASAA: Washington Call to Action: Multiple bills threaten access to and variety of vapor products

ECF Discussion: Washington Call to Action: Multiple bills threaten access to and variety of vapor products | E-Cigarette Forum
____________
UPDATE:
(Update - 02/24/15)

Washington Vapers may be receiving emails from their state lawmakers informing them that HB 1645 & SB 5573 are “dead.” This is not entirely accurate. In Washington, if a bill is deemed necessary to implement the budget (NTIB), it can be brought back to life -- even in the final days of budget negotiations. In other words, bills that would enact vapor taxes, flavor bans, sampling bans, etc. are all still ALIVE because if such provisions in Governor Inslee’s budget are adopted, they will need laws to support them.

To compound the threats in Washington, bills are allowed to be introduced up until the legislative session adjourns. This means that we could still see new vapor-related bills introduced up until late-April / early-May.

As the Washington Legislature considers how it will fund the state’s 2016 budget, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is continuing his push for excessive taxes and harmful bans. Gov. Inslee is asking that the Legislature’s budget do the following:

• apply a 95% sales tax on all vapor product devices, components, and liquids;
• ban all online sales to WA residents;
• ban all flavors other than tobacco, mint, wintergreen, and menthol;
• ban sampling in all vape shops

Please take action NOW to protect vaping from these harmful proposals. With an issue as important as this, we are asking vapers not to only send an email, but make phone calls to your State Senator and two State Representatives, asking that they oppose the Governor’s 95% tax on vapor products and related proposals. Briefly tell your story about how vapor products have impacted your life or the life of a loved one. Remember: Always be respectful and make sure you leave your address so the legislators know you are calling from their district.

• Step 1) Oppose Gov. Inslee’s taxes and bans - Send an Email
• Step 2) Please call your Senator and Representatives and ask that they oppose Gov. Inslee’s harmful budget proposals relating to vapor products.

___________
UPDATE - 3/12/15

Washington Call to Action (Updated & URGENT):

HB 1645 will be heard in committee on MONDAY, March 16th at 1:30 PM. Please take action NOW by making phone calls and sending emails to the committee and lawmakers from your district!

CASAA: Washington Call to Action: Multiple bills threaten access to and variety of vapor products

___________________________
UPDATE: HB 2211 would enact an unjustifiable extra tax of 60% of sales price on vapor products -- liquids and devices. (Imagine paying $32.00 for your next 30ml bottle of e-liquid or $160.00 for your next $100 mod.)

This bill has been scheduled for a hearing in the House Finance Committee

Friday, April 3rd
8:00 AM
House Hearing Room - A (HHR-A).​

Please make plans to attend this hearing.*

Please take action now by sending a fully editable email to members of the committee and your district representative urging them to oppose this bill

• Oppose HB 2211 - Send an Email

*Even if you are not planning to testify, your attendance is important as it demonstrates the many people affected by and engaged in this issue. (As a sign of respect, we ask that you refrain from vaping in the building.)


Call to Action: CASAA: Washington State (Urgent) Call to Action! Take Action now to Oppose HB 2211 an unjustifiable 60% tax on vapor products

ECF Discussion: Washington State (Urgent) Call to Action! Take Action now to Oppose HB 2211 an unjustifiable 60% tax on vapor products | E-Cigarette Forum

___________________
NEW UPDATE: (Update - 04/15/15)

Please Call the Washington State Legislature Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 and ask them to communicate to your reps that you OPPOSE HB 1645.

In its current form, HB 1645 would ban Internet sales and dramatically overregulate vapor products sold in the State of Washington. Even worse, there is a movement by some lawmakers to again try to impose punitive taxes and flavor bans!

Please Take Action NOW by calling your lawmakers and urging them to Oppose HB 1645!​

(Writing Tip #1) If you have a lot to say, please craft your email in a separate word doc and then copy/paste it into the field provided. If you take too long, they system will time out and you will lose your work.
(Writing Tip #2) Although we've provided a prewritten email with compelling talking points, we would strongly encourage you to edit the email because personalized communications to legislators are far more persuasive than form letters. At a minimum, PLEASE INSERT YOUR PERSONAL STORY (just a few sentences) in the text of your email.

 

[Robino1]

URGENT - Numerous bills have been introduced in the Hawaii Legislature that threaten the health and welfare of vapers, smokers, and small businesses in Hawaii. The Hawaii vaping community has faced these threats before, but this year we are under attack by opponents that have set their sights on two goals -- big taxes and usage bans. Your Hawaii legislators need to hear from you.

The Most Threatening Bills Being Considered:

SB 1220 & HB 1164 would: Define e-cigarettes as “tobacco products” and subject all nicotine-containing vapor products to a tax of 80% of wholesale price

SB 1032 & HB 1184 would: Define e-cigarettes as “tobacco products” and subject all nicotine-containing vapor products to a tax of 70% of wholesale price

SB 299 would: Subject all nicotine-containing vapor products, as well as “electronic smoking device kits,” to a tax of 30% of wholesale price.

SB 18, SB 757, SB 1109 & HB 940 would: Define use of an “electronic smoking device” as “smoking” and ban vaping everywhere smoking is banned in Hawaii.

Step by Step to Hawaii Vaping Advocacy

(1) Take action NOW by sending two editable emails through CASAA’s website

• Letter #1: OPPOSE excessive taxes on e-cigarette products
  
• Letter #2: OPPOSE including smoke-free vapor products in Hawaii’s smoking ban

(2) If you visit the Hawaii’s Legislature’s website for each individual bill using the links above, you can submit written testimony directly to the bill file. This is a great way for you to put your story, your thoughts, and scientific documents into the formal record.

(3) Make phone calls to your own representatives in the House and Senate, as well as members of leadership in the House and Senate. Members of leadership are important figures in the Hawaiian State Government and they need to receive respectful phone calls from vapers requesting that they oppose all bills that would limit the affordability or usage of vapor products by adults.

(4) Make phone calls to the members of the House Finance and Senate Ways & Means Committees.These legislators have huge power over the fate of tax bills. In a brief and respectful manner, ask that they oppose all bills to impose additional taxes on smoke-free vapor products and e-cigarettes.

(5) Due to the sheer number of bills CASAA is tracking across the country and the frequency of hearings in Hawaii, it is not possible for us to continuously update our members on the progress of these bills. We recommend following the Hawaii Vapers United Facebook page for more frequent updates.

(6) You can also stay up to date on what bills are receiving hearings by following this search page.

(7) Remember, Hawaii Vapers, this is a fight that needs to start now and continue throughout March, April, and into early-May. Bills in Hawaii tend to be passed through committee very easily, BUT that in no way means that the bills actually become law at the end of the day. We can stop these harmful policies from being law -- just keep fighting.


Call to Action: CASAA: Hawaii Call to Action: Multiple bills threaten access to and use of electronic cigarettes!

ECF Discussion: Hawaii Call to Action: Multiple bills threaten access to and use of electronic cigarettes! | E-Cigarette Forum

____________
UPDATE: Hawaii Vapers United has created a tool for Hawaii advocates to submit testimony to the Senate Ways and Means Committee for SB 1220 and SB 1032. You can submit testimony up until the hearing at 1:00 PM Friday, 2-27-15.

Super simple for Hawaii advocates to submit testimony using the Hawaii Vapers United tool. . . Hurry, though, because the hearing is tomorrow, and if you haven't already made your voice heard, you need to do so NOW.

See the updated CASAA Hawaii Call to Action for links to these tools.

CASAA: Hawaii Call to Action: Multiple bills threaten access to and use of electronic cigarettes!

Even if you don't live in Hawaii, you can submit your words and opposition. As a possible tourist to the Islands....
_______________
(Update - 04.12.15)

Please see the latest update and opportunity to take action from Hawaii Vapers United on HB 940 which would include vapor products in Hawaii’s anti-smoking law.

HB 940 - Deadline: Tuesday, 4-14-15

• Submit Testimony

Call to Action: CASAA: Hawaii Call to Action: Multiple bills threaten access to and use of electronic cigarettes!

ECF Disucussion: Hawaii Call to Action: Multiple bills threaten access to and use of electronic cigarettes! | E-Cigarette Forum

Concluded: Unsuccessful. Signed into law