Connecticut House Bill HB06948

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/19
• Refer: 1/30/19

Caption

An Act Increasing The Annual Fee For An Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Certificate Of Dealer Registration.

Impact

The bill's adjustment of the certification fee for ENDS dealers is intended to align the financial burden of regulation more closely with the health risks associated with tobacco products. By increasing the fee, the state aims to not only increase its budget for tobacco prevention initiatives but also to discourage the proliferation of electronic nicotine delivery systems in the market. The intended outcomes include a reduction in tobacco usage and an overall improvement in public health.

Summary

House Bill 6948 proposes an increase in the annual fee for the certificate of dealer registration for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) from $400 to $1,000. This fee adjustment is aimed at generating more funds to combat tobacco abuse, with explicit provisions for how the generated revenue will be utilized. The bill seeks to fortify public health initiatives focused on prevention, education, cessation, treatment, enforcement, and health programs related to tobacco use.

Contention

While the bill is framed as a public health measure, there may be points of contention surrounding the burden of increased fees on small retailers and businesses involved in the sale of electronic nicotine delivery systems. Some stakeholders may argue that elevating the cost of compliance could inadvertently push smaller dealers out of business, while larger retailers may absorb these costs more easily. Additionally, there may be concern regarding how effectively the increased funds will be allocated towards combating tobacco abuse, ensuring that the intention behind the increased fees translates into substantial public health benefits.