Missouri House Bill HB276

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 5/15/25

Caption

Establishes provisions relating to the creation of a vapor product directory

Impact

If enacted, HB276 would create a formal directory on the attorney general's website, showcasing manufacturers and their vapor products that have complied with the new regulations. The directory not only promotes transparency but also aids consumers and retailers in identifying safe and approved vapor products. This shift in oversight reflects a growing concern over public health and safety related to vapor products, as local and state governments aim to regulate the rapidly evolving market of tobacco alternatives and e-cigarettes more effectively.

Summary

House Bill 276 aims to establish regulations surrounding vapor products by requiring manufacturers to certify their compliance annually. As defined in the new section added to Chapter 196 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, manufacturers must submit a certification form under penalty of perjury to the office of the attorney general. This certification process is intended to ensure that vapor products being sold in the state meet certain federal requirements or have met prior marketing conditions set by the FDA. The law mandates that these manufacturers clearly list each vapor product they sell and undergo an annual review process starting in 2026.

Contention

The primary points of contention regarding HB276 revolve around the regulatory burden it places on manufacturers versus the intended public health benefits. Proponents argue that this bill is necessary for consumer protection and ensures compliance with federal laws. However, critics express concerns that the requirements could stifle smaller manufacturers, placing them at a disadvantage against larger companies that have more resources to navigate complex regulatory frameworks. This tension reflects a broader debate about balancing industry interests against public health priorities in the context of tobacco and vapor product regulation.