(Update - 05.20.20)
Dear BrotherBob*,
Predictably, SB 793 passed the Senate Committee on Health (8 yeah, 1 nay) with little debate and virtually no resistance with Senator Grove (SD-16) being the only vote in opposition. The bill is now assigned to the Senate Appropriations Committee. While no date is set for a hearing, we expect to see it added to an agenda prior to June 19 which is the scheduled last day for money committees to advance any bills assigned to them.
Take Action!
Contact the committee consultant and your lawmakers.
Share your story and urge them to reject SB 793!
CASAA’s understanding of this bill is also changing. In our previous alert we speculated that the prohibition on sales of flavored vapor products would extend to DIY flavorings. While the definition of “
tobacco product flavor enhancer” is arguably vague, sentiment among those on the ground working this issue is leaning toward believing that this language is intended to target short-fills and flavor shots sold at brick and mortar retailers rather than online sales and DIY supplies. But this sentiment does not change our cautious conclusion that the language is vague and ripe for exploitation by extremists within the
tobacco control industry.
According to the bill’s sponsor, Senator Hill (SD-13), this legislation may not affect online sales. Last year, California enacted legislation, also sponsored by Hill, that established strict criteria for consumers to purchase vapor products remotely via mail, phone, or internet. Age verification and signature on delivery are part of those requirements. According to the boots on the ground in Sacramento, SB 793 would not outlaw online sales of flavored vapor products, but this does not make them immune from an attack before this bill leaves the Senate.
Thank you for taking action!
CASAA Legislative Team
- SB 793 - Bill Page
- Senate Committee on Health - Agenda, 5/13/2020,
- Senate Committee on Health - Hearing, 5/13/2020 (YouTube)
- * “‘tobacco product flavor enhancer’ means a product designed, manufactured, produced, marketed, or sold to produce a characterizing flavor when added to a tobacco product.”
- Added
