Tennessee Senate Bill SB2397

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 15, relative to vapor products.

Impact

The introduction of SB2397 could significantly impact state regulations concerning the sale and distribution of vapor products. By focusing on individuals under 21, the bill seeks to enhance public health safeguards and prevent easy access to potentially harmful products among youth. The resulting recommendations by the respective departments could lead to stricter regulations, potentially paralleling existing laws on tobacco sales. Such changes emphasize Tennessee's target on public health and safety, particularly in controlling substances that affect the younger demographic.

Summary

Senate Bill 2397 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated related to vapor products. The bill specifically addresses the sale and distribution of such products to individuals under the age of 21. It urges the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health to conduct a study into the effects of these sales, as well as to provide recommendations to the legislature for potential reductions in the availability of vapor products to minors. This bill reflects increasing concerns over the public health implications of vaping among younger populations.

Contention

While the bill aims to reduce underage access to vapor products, there may be contentious elements surrounding the scope of the recommendations and their potential impacts on businesses that sell these products. Supporters may argue that enhancing these regulations is essential for protecting youth, while some in the industry could view the measures as overreaching and harmful to economic interests. Additionally, the bill’s focus on recommendations rather than immediate legislative action could spark debates on the effectiveness of voluntary compliance versus mandatory regulations.