Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB252

Introduced
2/18/25  
Refer
2/18/25  
Refer
2/25/25  
Refer
3/17/25  
Report Pass
3/18/25  
Engrossed
3/19/25  
Refer
3/19/25  
Report Pass
4/1/25  
Enrolled
4/9/25  
Chaptered
4/14/25  

Caption

To Inform The Public Of Health Risks Caused By Vapor Products And E-liquid Products; And To Ensure The Safety Of Arkansas Youth.

Impact

SB252 is designed to tighten laws governing the sale and distribution of tobacco products, including provisions for regular inspections of these products to ensure they are uncontaminated and safe for public consumption. It includes penalties for non-compliance, such as hefty fines for false certifications or selling unapproved products. Additionally, the bill mandates that products be sold in child-resistant packaging and prohibits sales and use within specified settings such as schools and healthcare facilities, thus enhancing protective measures around vulnerable populations.

Summary

Senate Bill 252 aims to amend the Arkansas Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1977 and strengthen regulations surrounding tobacco products, specifically vapor products and e-liquids. The bill's primary focus is to inform the public about health risks associated with these products, prevent contamination, and ensure their safety, particularly for the youth of Arkansas. By outlining comprehensive guidelines for manufacturers, the bill seeks to establish a higher standard of accountability in the production and sale of tobacco-related products.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB252 appears to be overwhelmingly supportive among public health advocacy groups and legislators focused on youth safety. Proponents argue it serves a critical role in reducing the health risks posed by vaping, especially to minors. However, there may be contention among some business owners and manufacturers who view the stringent regulatory measures as overly burdensome and potentially detrimental to market conditions for vapor products. The narrative around the bill reflects a broader societal concern about tobacco use and its impact on youth and public health.

Contention

One of the primary points of contention regarding SB252 is the balance between regulation and market freedom. While advocates for public health herald the bill for its protective measures, opponents express concerns about potential economic implications for businesses operating in this sector. The requirement for comprehensive certifications and potential penalties also raises questions about enforcement and compliance logistics. Additionally, the method by which the bill seeks to enforce public health measures could lead to debates over its effectiveness and the best approaches to achieve desired health outcomes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1725

To Inform The Public Of Health Risks Caused By Vapor Products, E-liquid Products, And Alternative Nicotine Products; And To Ensure The Safety Of Arkansas Youth.

AR HB1605

To Provide Regulation Of Hemp-derived Products By The Arkansas Tobacco Control Board.

AR HB1606

Regarding The Suspension Of Permits For A Retailer's Failure To Pay A Wholesaler Or Manufacturer For Tobacco Products, Vapor Products, Alternative Nicotine Products, Or E-liquids.

AR SB358

To Prohibit Industrial Hemp That Contain Certain Delta Tetrahydrocannabinol Substances; To Include Certain Tetrahydrocannabinol In The List Of Schedule Vi Controlled Substances; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1294

To Make Technical Corrections To Title 26 Of The Arkansas Code Concerning Taxation.

AR SB372

Regarding Alcoholic Beverages; And To Amend The Law Related To Additional Products Sold By The Holder Of A Liquor Permit.

AR HB1779

To Amend The Wood Energy Products And Forest Maintenance Income Tax Credit; And To Allow An Income Tax Credit For Wood Energy Products And Forest Maintenance Expansion Projects.

AR SB521

To Amend The Law Regarding Oil And Gas Production And Conservation; And To Amend The Law Regarding The Allocation Of Production And Cost Following An Integration Order.

AR SB495

To Create The Protect Arkansas Act; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Sentencing And Parole; To Amend Arkansas Law Concerning Certain Criminal Offenses; And To Create The Legislative Recidivism Reduction Task Force.

AR SB295

To Amend The Arkansas Renewable Energy Development Act Of 2001; To Prevent Cost-shifting And Ensure Fairness To All Ratepayers; To Create The Customer Protections For Net-metering Customers Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

AR HB1725

To Inform The Public Of Health Risks Caused By Vapor Products, E-liquid Products, And Alternative Nicotine Products; And To Ensure The Safety Of Arkansas Youth.

IA HSB682

A bill for an act relating to the regulation of vapor products, and providing penalties.(See HF 2677.)

IA HF2677

A bill for an act relating to the regulation of vapor products, and providing penalties. (Formerly HSB 682.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SF2402

A bill for an act relating to the regulation of vapor products, and providing penalties.(Formerly SSB 3101.)

IA SSB3101

A bill for an act relating to the regulation of vapor products, and providing penalties.(See SF 2402.)

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.

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 SB2054

Relating to a directory of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products sold in this state, and regulation of the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; imposing a civil penalty; imposing administrative penalties.