First ever Pro-Vaping Bill

[DrMA]

Pink Lung Brigade strikes again. Two huge developments within a week! That's how it's done! That's real advocacy. Bravo!

Washington Vape Bill Gets Incredible Bipartisan Support!

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[Jman8]

What's to like?

 

[AndriaD]

What's to like?

They didn't go into any specifics, so it's kinda hard to know, exactly; what I gleaned that is "to like" is that they actually have a bill (not something being endlessly debated in committee, but an actual bill), which hopefully will remove vaping "from under the legal umbrella of tobacco products." So I'd give it a guarded thumbs-up, depending on the actual language of the bill.

It does sound like they intend it to discriminate against minors, which I agree with you, is wholly stupid, but that's the way those idiots think; if it helps vapers in other ways... again, a guarded thumbs-up. I think anything related to this matter that DIDN'T discriminate against minors wouldn't even make it out of committee.

Andria

 

[SeniorBoy]

Appears to be the start of what could be good news for vaping in the State of Washington.

 

[zoiDman]

http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2015-16/Pdf/Bills/House Bills/2588.pdf

 

[Jman8]

They didn't go into any specifics, so it's kinda hard to know, exactly; what I gleaned that is "to like" is that they actually have a bill (not something being endlessly debated in committee, but an actual bill), which hopefully will remove vaping "from under the legal umbrella of tobacco products." So I'd give it a guarded thumbs-up, depending on the actual language of the bill.

It does sound like they intend it to discriminate against minors, which I agree with you, is wholly stupid, but that's the way those idiots think; if it helps vapers in other ways... again, a guarded thumbs-up. I think anything related to this matter that DIDN'T discriminate against minors wouldn't even make it out of committee.

Andria

I read the bill last night before I posted my comment. It says in there (something along lines of) - if the product is regulated by FDA, then this (legislation) doesn't apply to what we are calling 'vapor products.'

While reading it, I was feeling like this is probably better than the FDA deeming, but not much. I think even that assertion is debatable, and so I was genuinely wondering what others liked about this bill.

The minors thing is why I would never support it on principle, but apart from that I am still wondering what others do like about it. Feel free to read the bill and report back in this thread what that is. I'm not saying you won't find anything, but am interested in what that is. I'll do my best to not argue whatever you come up with. I really will. Just want to know what's to like.

 

[Lessifer]

I read the bill last night before I posted my comment. It says in there (something along lines of) - if the product is regulated by FDA, then this (legislation) doesn't apply to what we are calling 'vapor products.'

While reading it, I was feeling like this is probably better than the FDA deeming, but not much. I think even that assertion is debatable, and so I was genuinely wondering what others liked about this bill.

The minors thing is why I would never support it on principle, but apart from that I am still wondering what others do like about it. Feel free to read the bill and report back in this thread what that is. I'm not saying you won't find anything, but am interested in what that is. I'll do my best to not argue whatever you come up with. I really will. Just want to know what's to like.

I think "like" is a stronger word than I would use. The best thing about this bill is that it is not as bad as it could have been.

They did not ban online sales, though they are requiring age verification.
The indoor/outdoor use bans are pretty amenable.

I don't support minor sales bans, but making possession a misdemeanor is inexcusable.

 

[DrMA]

The important part of the bill is that it would preempt local jurisdictions from imposing their own rules, which usually turn up to be much more ANTZy (see recent events in Tacoma/Pierce Cnty). ANTZ are currently spending millions convincing/bullying small towns/counties to treat & tax vaping like tobacco, so this hits them where it hurts most.

Yes, I don't agree with all the provisions of the bill (including use bans & age discrimination), but the preemption clause is worth every penny.

I also agree that the whole thing is probably moot, since the FDA deeming would render the bill null & void even if it passed.

That being said, the introduction of this bill is likely to prevent the WA legislature from reintroducing vaping tax bills like they tried in the previous 3 sessions. It also demonstrates a successful lobbying effort on the part of WA industry, which make them credible players in this policy arena.

 

[AndriaD]

I read the bill last night before I posted my comment. It says in there (something along lines of) - if the product is regulated by FDA, then this (legislation) doesn't apply to what we are calling 'vapor products.'

While reading it, I was feeling like this is probably better than the FDA deeming, but not much. I think even that assertion is debatable, and so I was genuinely wondering what others liked about this bill.

The minors thing is why I would never support it on principle, but apart from that I am still wondering what others do like about it. Feel free to read the bill and report back in this thread what that is. I'm not saying you won't find anything, but am interested in what that is. I'll do my best to not argue whatever you come up with. I really will. Just want to know what's to like.

I don't typically read actual bills, mostly because legalese/governmentese makes my eyes roll up in my head and I start screaming for BRAINS! No clue how anyone reads that stuff without that reaction, or just going into a coma. I'd almost rather do MATH!

Andria

 

[Tufur]

I don't typically read actual bills, mostly because legalese/governmentese makes my eyes roll up in my head and I start screaming for BRAINS! No clue how anyone reads that stuff without that reaction, or just going into a coma. I'd almost rather do MATH!

Andria

Andria, that is why I send money to organizations that concentrate my beliefs into lobbyists. And that is not as easy to research as it is easy to type. The American Humane Society is anything but and so is PETA who was caught dumping dead animals in garbage boxes in NYC. The tree hugging Sierra Club is about earning money and getting 15 mins of fame.

I find if I pin point my donations to people who have the same passion as I have, I then feel good. I feel an individual's rights are more important than my inconvenience or perceived wrong. I became a life member of the National Rifle Association because of that and I became a life member of the California Pistol and Rifle Association. The only things I send to my representatives are emails because Feinstein, Boxer, and Pelosi don't need my money. Rant stopped. sry.

 

[AndriaD]

Andria, that is why I send money to organizations that concentrate my beliefs into lobbyists. And that is not as easy to research as it is easy to type. The American Humane Society is anything but and so is PETA who was caught dumping dead animals in garbage boxes in NYC. The tree hugging Sierra Club is about earning money and getting 15 mins of fame.

I find if I pin point my donations to people who have the same passion as I have, I then feel good. I feel an individual's rights are more important than my inconvenience or perceived wrong. I became a life member of the National Rifle Association because of that and I became a life member of the California Pistol and Rifle Association. The only things I send to my representatives are emails because Feinstein, Boxer, and Pelosi don't need my money. Rant stopped. sry.

The only people I "give" money to are my creditors, grocery stores, a few gen'l merch. stores, some online vape shops, and my doctor, because that's all the money I have. Having sufficient money to dole it out to political interests will have to wait till I win the lottery.

Andria