TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1698

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1698

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill introduces administrative and civil penalties for non-compliance, which could significantly impact how e-cigarette retailers and distributors operate in Texas. The comptroller will maintain the directory and oversee the auditing process to ensure compliance, while manufacturers not registered in Texas must engage a registered agent and may also face additional requirements, including the posting of a surety bond.

Summary

SB1698 aims to regulate the sale of e-cigarettes in Texas by establishing a formal directory of e-cigarette manufacturers and their products. This directory will ensure that only e-cigarette products which have been certified and registered are available for retail sales within the state. Manufacturers are required to submit annual certifications and meet certain federal standards to ensure the products are safe for consumer use, with the compliance to begin in September 2025.

Contention

One potential point of contention could arise from the enforcement of penalties against businesses that fail to comply with the new regulations. The civil penalties can escalate with multiple violations, which may disproportionately affect smaller retailers and distributors. Furthermore, the requirement for a comprehensive directory may raise concerns among manufacturers about transparency and the competitive landscape in the e-cigarette market.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Health And Safety Code

  • Chapter 161. Public Health Provisions
    • Section: New Section

Latest SB1698 Activity

Companion Bills

TX HB3772

Identical 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.

Previously Filed As

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.

Similar Bills

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 HB4481

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.

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.

TX HB2548

Relating to the imposition of a fee on the sale of cigarettes and cigarette tobacco products manufactured by certain companies; providing penalties.

TX HB2085

Relating to the imposition of a fee on the sale of cigarettes and cigarette tobacco products manufactured by certain companies; providing penalties.

TX SB1136

Relating to imposing a fee on the sale of cigarettes and cigarette tobacco products manufactured by certain companies; providing penalties.

TX HB2453

Relating to imposing a fee on the sale of cigarettes and cigarette tobacco products manufactured by certain companies; providing penalties.

WV SB93

Creating E-cigarette and E-cigarette Liquid Directory