Tennessee House Bill HB1180

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/2/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 15 and Title 67, Chapter 4, Part 10, relative to tobacco, hemp, and vapor products.

Impact

This change is poised to alter how violations involving these products are penalized within the state. By differentiating the penalties based on the type of product involved, the bill seeks to reflect the perceived risk or harm associated with vapor products compared to traditional tobacco and smokable hemp products. This can lead to fewer violations being treated uniformly and provide a more tailored approach to regulation and enforcement in these areas.

Summary

House Bill 1180 aims to amend existing laws in Tennessee regarding penalties for violations related to tobacco, hemp, and vapor products. The bill notably revises the penalty structure for second violations specifically tied to smokable hemp products and vapor products. Under the new provisions, the fine for a second violation involving tobacco and smokable hemp products remains at five hundred dollars, while the fine increases to seven hundred fifty dollars for violations relating to vapor products.

Contention

While supporters may argue that adjusting the fines provides a necessary distinction between different types of substances, some critics could contend that raising penalties specifically for vapor products may not address the underlying issues related to their use and could disproportionately affect certain demographics. The discussion surrounding this bill may also touch upon broader issues of substance regulation, public health, and consumer rights within Tennessee.