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

[Hoosier]

The lobbyist for the big 3 tobacco companies in this state have not been at any hearing, meeting, nor conference. Not in public and not behind closed doors, they are not involved in this in any way that our insiders can find, or even suspect.

It's quite odd.

 

[zoiDman]

The lobbyist for the big 3 tobacco companies in this state have not been at any hearing, meeting, nor conference. Not in public and not behind closed doors, they are not involved in this in any way that our insiders can find, or even suspect.

It's quite odd.

I told someone one time that just because you Can't See a Sniper performing Over Watch doesn't mean that He might not be there.

It sure seem like the Exemption in these Bills would would Benefit an e-Cigarette like RJ Reynolds Vuse. Or Any Other Closed System e-Cigarette.

Could just be a Coincidence? But I Don't Believe in Coincidences when it comes to Political Dealings.

 

[shreduhsoreus]

To be totally honest, I don't see this ending too well. We're not in a state that has high concern over its people. When it comes to our state government, money talks, and unfortunately, that's not something we have on our side. Sure, there are some groups that have health concerns because they don't understand vaping or the differences, but let's be real here, that's not what this is about.

Short of getting every vaper in the state to march on the capitol building, there isn't much we can do to stop the inevitable. At this point I'm leaving it up to those involved to try to get this to work out to be less damaging to the vaping community. I wouldn't be able to hold my tongue if I saw the corruption and heard the ignorance in person, so I have to sit this out so I don't make us look bad or wind up in jail

 

[four2109]

24% tax on a battery. This state's ignorance is so embarrassing.

 

[zoiDman]

24% tax on a battery. This state's ignorance is so embarrassing.

I really think People should be Publically Questioning Policy Makers why a Tax on e-Cigarettes is Justified in the First Place.

And if there is Going to be a Tax, why would it Possibly be at a Rate Higher that what a Smokers Pays?

 

[shreduhsoreus]

I really think People should be Publically Questioning Policy Makers why a Tax on e-Cigarettes is Justified in the First Place.

And if there is Going to be a Tax, why would it Possibly be at a Rate Higher that what a Smokers Pays?

To recoup lost tax dollars they haven't been getting from us since we quit smoking.

The sad part is I'm only half kidding -_-

 

[four2109]

You're really not kidding at all. That's all it is. I'm coming up on 6 years. That's almost $20K not spent on taxable tobacco products.

 

[zoiDman]

To recoup lost tax dollars they haven't been getting from us since we quit smoking.

The sad part is I'm only half kidding -_-

Kinda hard to Argue with This.

But it Also brings up the Second part of My Post.

And if there is Going to be a Tax, why would it Possibly be at a Rate Higher that what a Smokers Pays?

 

[Hoosier]

After meetings where we are told they agree with us, but never seeing anything in writing on the open floor, a national organization that most Rep's in the Statehouse are very friendly with has come out swinging on our side...

ATR Opposes Onerous Restrictions on Vapor Market in Indiana | Americans for Tax Reform

Now to see if these bills ever get put on the schedule. One thing's for certain, they won't put it on the schedule with the usual advance notice. Historically every time SB 539 or HB 1432 has been scheduled, it's been pushed in at the last minute.

 

[shreduhsoreus]

That's good news at least. Hopefully(for once) the Indiana state government uses common sense and realizes that the damage these bills will do will greatly outweigh the tax dollars they'll be taking in. One of the main things they'll accomplish by doing this is pretty much guaranteeing that e-liquid enters the black market.

And I may or may not have a little bird that did or did not tell me of people who may or may not already be prepared for this(or not).

 

[Hoosier]

Now to see if these bills ever get put on the schedule. One thing's for certain, they won't put it on the schedule with the usual advance notice. Historically every time SB 539 or HB 1432 has been scheduled, it's been pushed in at the last minute.

Well, color me wrong. HB 1432 has been scheduled for the senate tax and fiscal policy committee on Tuesday. We'll find out early next week if our proposed amendments are introduced then.

 

[Hoosier]

Tomorrow we find out if a state senator who has a long history of working for the small business folks has sold his morals to the casino, liquor, and convenience store lobbyists brought together by Monument Vapor.

There will be no question after tomorrow ends.

Stay tuned for battle plans depending on what happens in the statehouse tomorrow.

 

[zoiDman]

Tomorrow we find out if a state senator who has a long history of working for the small business folks has sold his morals to the casino, liquor, and convenience store lobbyists brought together by Monument Vapor.

There will be no question after tomorrow ends.

Stay tuned for battle plans depending on what happens in the statehouse tomorrow.

Keeping my Fingers Crossed for you and the Entire Team Hoosier.

 

[four2109]

Hoosier, How does/will all of this effect internet sales in the state of Indiana? The emphasis is on local vendors & e-liquid manufacturers, but I am really not sure what limitations these bills put on consumers in regards to internet purchases....

 

[Hoosier]

Accepting a bottle of liquid for use in a "vape pen", which is anything not a cig-alike, makes the receiver guilty of a class c misdemeanor if the receiver knows the producer does not have a manufacturing license from the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. The producer who gave, or sold, the liquid is guilty of a class a.

This includes DIY, so mix your own and you are guilty of a class a and a class c.

If you don't mind being a criminal, then it does nothing. If there is a big push for enforcement after Monument Vapor and their manufacturing company don't see an increase in sales...that will be when it gets interesting. (Don't forget, the AG is pushing for these identical bills too.)

 

[four2109]

Thanks Hoosier. I had seen that wording but it was in a newspaper article and I wasn't sure which bill it was in.
I guess I would also be a criminal if I gave away a bottle of e-liquid that I didn't like.
Only in Indiana... I feel safer already.

 

[Hoosier]

Not only in Indiana I've learned. There is a movement behind closed doors to bring these things to a number of states... It all hinges on what happens here.

 

[Hoosier]

Well, the whole committee loved the monopoly idea and putting over 1000 Hoosiers out of work so their buddies can be alone in the ecig market in Indiana.

No further amendments and passed to floor.

We now know.

Battle plans are being worked on. Will need some help getting to details out when we're sure we have a good plan and not a mad plan.

 

[pennysmalls]

I'm wondering if there will be some sort of system put in place to monitor purchases made by Hoosiers to out of state vape business's. Is this possible or even legal? I'm wondering also if my plans to stock up on more nic should happen sooner rather than later, I don't want to panic unnecessarily and go on a nic buying binge but I'm thinking if some kind of monitoring is used nic will be what is watched most closely.

 

[Hoosier]

They don't have the resources to monitor. They do have a snitch provision in the bill though. Anyone with a manufacturing permit can sue for violation of any provision of the bill by another and only be out legal fees if they are found to have a baseless suit.

So as long as the wrong people don't see you vaping, you should be fine.

There are 2 more readings to go in the senate and at least 3 to go in the house if SB 539 doesn't die in committee in the house. Which wouldn't have an impact either way if HB 1432 makes it through 2 readings in the senate.

Law won't take effect till July of 2016 regardless if it is passed and signed.