Nebraska bill would ban sales of vapor products to minors, but also ban self service displays, hearing on Jan 27

[Bill Godshall]

Nebraska legislation (LB 861) would ban sale of tobacco derived products and vapor products to minors, and would also ban all self service displays of these products except at tobacco specialty stores. Hearing scheduled by General Affairs Cmte for 1:30 on Jan 27
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Intro/LB861.pdf (text of bill)
Nebraska Legislature - Legislative Document (bill's webpage)
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Journal/r2journal.pdf#page=278 (notice of hearing on Jan 27 at 1:30)


My only concerns about this bill are the provisions to ban self service displays, as it appears that current NE law doesn't ban self service displays of cigarettes, and this bill would ban self service displays of all "vapor products" (as well as tobacco products) except at "tobacco specialty stores" that don't allow minors to enter the premises. But the bill doesn't exempt any vape shops (that don't allow minors to enter premises) from the self service display ban.

If nothing else, the definition of a "tobacco specialty store" should be amended to include stores that primarily sell vapor products. But even then, vape shops that want to have self service displays may have to first obtain a tobacco retailer license.

 

[Technohydra]

Makes me mad that the first major bill introduced in my state is one I have a conflict with attending the hearing for. I will help out in any way I can however.

 

[Tanti]

here in Nebraska its already that there are no self serve displays because of I believe federal level. All tobacco products are either behind lock and key or well behind a counter. We haven't had self serve displays for quite a few years. I agree there should be exempt for vape stores from this. But its a very light handed regulation for us on a whole.

 

[rothenbj]

here in Nebraska its already that there are no self serve displays because of I believe federal level. All tobacco products are either behind lock and key or well behind a counter. We haven't had self serve displays for quite a few years. I agree there should be exempt for vape stores from this. But its a very light handed regulation for us on a whole.

You have to be careful with what might be added, in process.

 

[Tanti]

That is very true. Hopefully they will keep it simple. This state does recognize harm reduction 1 or 4 states that do. Im sure the ABC groups will be there tho to push their agenda.

 

[Placebo Effect]

I've brought these concerns to a staffer on the committee and the Senator who sponsored the bill -- (1) the need for a 'vapor product retail specialty store' exception to the self service display requirement; and (2) addition of the word 'container' to the definition of 'vapor products' so that bottled nicotine liquid is also banned to minors (and not just pre-filled e-cigs or cartridges).

I'd be surprised if the changes were not made. I have word that 3 vendors will be attending the hearing. I've encouraged them to engage consumers and bring them out. In the event that Cancer, Heart, and Lung do not show up to oppose e-cigs not being "tobacco products," this is a great opportunity to introduce e-cigarettes to the legislators (or reintroduce them as a hearing on the subject was held a couple months ago) and sing kumbaya with them over your mutual agreement that e-cigarettes shouldn't be sold to minors.

Please dress appropriately if you are attending. Suit and tie are not necessary, but please keep in mind that appearance does matter, and this is especially true when you're the underdog (whether vaper or vendor) representing a potentially scary new market.

 

[RickAppling]

Here is a some what related bill.

 

[WorksForMe]

Here is a some what related bill.

At least one politician gets it.

"There's no end in the 'nanny' state. We can regulate and make every kid wear a helmet and pads everywhere they go. I mean it never stops. We need to hold parents responsible," said Sen. Bill Kitner.

J.R.

 

[Bill Godshall]

Here's an article about the legislative hearing on LB 861

Banning e-cigs from Nebraska minors draws little opposition
Banning e-cigarettes from minors draws little opposition : Politics

 

[Bill Godshall]

Nebraska’s Legislative Cmte on General Affairs approves bill (L 861) to ban vapor product sales to minors
Nebraska Legislature - Legislative Document

 

[Bill Godshall]

Nebraska Governor Heineman signs bill (LB 863) to ban sale of “vapor products” and “alternative nicotine products” to minors
Nebraska Legislature - Legislative Document

http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Final/LB863.pdf (see pages 12-17)


Looks like LB 861
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=21503
was amended into LB 863, as the original LB 863 had nothing to do with e-cigs.