Kentucky 2024 Regular Session

Kentucky Senate Bill SB344

Introduced
2/28/24  
Refer
2/28/24  
Refer
3/1/24  
Report Pass
3/5/24  
Engrossed
3/22/24  

Caption

AN ACT relating to vapor products and making an appropriation therefor.

Impact

The enactment of SB 344 will significantly alter existing state laws governing the sale of vapor products. By requiring manufacturers to secure a listing in the directory, it seeks to promote safer products and reduce the accessibility of unregulated or potentially harmful products to consumers. The bill aims to address growing public health concerns related to vaping, particularly among minors. Consequently, it may encourage manufacturers to invest in compliance and product safety, but could also result in increased costs for manufacturers that may be passed on to consumers.

Summary

Senate Bill 344 establishes new regulations surrounding the sale and distribution of vapor products in Kentucky, primarily aiming to ensure that only authorized products are sold within the state. The bill mandates that all manufacturers must register their products in a state-maintained directory, without which sales of those products will be considered unlawful starting January 1, 2025. This directory will include detailed information about each product and manufacturer, including brand names and flavors. Manufacturers will also need to certify adherence to federal regulations regarding marketing authorization from the FDA, with penalties imposed for noncompliance.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment regarding SB 344 appears to be mixed. Advocates of the bill assert that the regulations are a necessary step to protect public health, aiming to limit youth access to vaping products and ensure product safety. Detractors, however, express concerns that stringent requirements may burden small manufacturers and distributors, potentially pushing them out of the market. Furthermore, there are worries regarding enforcement and whether the state has the resources to adequately monitor compliance with these new rules. This division reflects broader national conversations about vaping and its health implications.

Contention

Notable points of contention focus on the balance between regulation and market access. Supporters emphasize the need for consumer protection and public health safeguards, advocating that regulation will help mitigate risks associated with vaping. Conversely, critics argue that the bill could lead to excessive regulation that stifles competition, particularly disadvantaging small businesses unable to bear the costs associated with compliance. The debate highlights essential issues of public health policy versus economic freedom and business regulation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KY HB310

AN ACT relating to the dissemination of cigarettes, tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, and vapor products, and making an appropriation therefor.

KY HB107

AN ACT relating to medicinal cannabis and making an appropriation therefor.

KY SB51

AN ACT relating to the regulation of cannabis and making an appropriation therefor.

KY HB22

AN ACT relating to the regulation of cannabis and making an appropriation therefor.

KY SB244

AN ACT relating to radon safety and making an appropriation therefor.

KY HB496

AN ACT relating to motorboats and making an appropriation therefor.

KY HB551

AN ACT relating to wagering and making an appropriation therefor.

KY SB73

AN ACT relating to wagering and making an appropriation therefor.

KY HB106

AN ACT relating to wagering and making an appropriation therefor.

KY SB86

AN ACT relating to heirs property and making an appropriation therefor.

Similar Bills

MS HB1461

Vape directory; require Department of Revenue to maintain and publish.

TX HB3772

Relating to the sale of certain e-cigarettes in this state and a directory of e-cigarette manufacturers and their products; authorizing fees; authorizing administrative and civil penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1698

Relating to the sale of certain e-cigarettes in this state and a directory of e-cigarette manufacturers and their products; authorizing fees; authorizing administrative and civil penalties; creating a criminal offense.

MS HB916

Cigarettes and vape products; require Commissioner of Revenue to establish separate directories to regulate sale of.

MS SB2850

Cigarettes and vape products; require Commissioner of Revenue to establish separate directories to regulate sales of.

MS HB1660

Cigarettes and vape products; require Commissioner of Revenue to establish separate directories to regulate sales of.

SC S0287

Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Regulation

HI HB1289

Relating To Health.