Iowa Senate passes bill to create state registry for legal vape products

The Iowa Senate has passed a bill that would create a state registry for all vape products that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The bill, which aims to prevent the sale of illegal and unsafe vape products in the state, was approved by a 32-17 vote on Wednesday.

The bill, SF 2311, would require all vape products sold in Iowa to be registered with the Department of Public Health, and to have a label that indicates the product’s approval status by the FDA. The bill would also allow the department to inspect and test vape products, and to impose fines and penalties for selling or possessing unregistered or counterfeit products.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, said the bill is a response to the growing problem of illegal and dangerous vape products that are imported from China and other countries, and that are often marketed to young people. He said the bill would help the state enforce the FDA regulations, which ban flavored vapes and only allow 23 tobacco-flavored products made by Big Tobacco companies.

“We have a responsibility to protect our children and our consumers from these products that are not regulated, that are not safe, that are not legal,” Perry said. “This bill will give us the tools to do that.”

The supporters: A coalition of health and business groups

The bill has received support from various health and business groups, such as the Iowa Medical Society, the Iowa Retail Federation, the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, and the American Cancer Society. The supporters of the bill argue that the bill is necessary to protect the public health and safety, and to curb the youth vaping epidemic in the state.

According to the CDC, more than 3.6 million youth in the U.S. use e-cigarettes, and more than 2,800 cases of lung injuries and 68 deaths have been linked to vaping. The supporters of the bill say that the bill would prevent the influx of illegal and harmful vape products, such as Elf Bar and Funky Republic, which have fruity flavors and bright packaging.

The supporters of the bill also say that the bill would benefit the legitimate vape businesses in the state, which have been complying with the FDA rules and paying taxes. They say that the bill would level the playing field and eliminate the unfair competition from the black market.

The opponents: A group of vape shop owners and advocates

The bill has faced opposition from a group of vape shop owners and advocates, who say that the bill would put them out of business and harm their customers. They argue that the bill would effectively ban all vape products except those made by Big Tobacco companies, which are the same companies that produce the deadly cigarettes that vape products are meant to replace. They also argue that the bill would deprive their customers of the choice and variety of flavors and products that they prefer and need to quit smoking.

According to the Iowa Smoke Free Association, which represents more than 10,000 vape businesses in the state, the bill would result in the loss of more than 50,000 jobs and $1.2 billion in economic activity. The association also claims that the bill would create a black market for vape products, and drive consumers to buy unregulated and unsafe products online or from other states. The association also asserts that the bill would violate the rights and freedoms of adult consumers and business owners.

The association has been lobbying and protesting against the bill, and has been urging the lawmakers to consider alternative solutions, such as raising the age limit for buying vape products to 21, restricting the sale of vape products to adult-only stores, and enforcing the existing laws and regulations on vape products.

The future of the bill: A matter of debate and vote

The bill, SF 2311, has passed the Iowa Senate, and will now move to the Iowa House for consideration. The bill has received bipartisan support and opposition, and has sparked a heated debate among the lawmakers, the stakeholders, and the public. The bill has also attracted national attention, as Iowa is one of the largest and most influential states in the country, and its decision on vape products could have a significant impact on the vape industry and the vaping community.

The bill has also raised several questions and concerns, such as the role and authority of the FDA, the effectiveness and safety of vape products, the impact of vape products on public health and the environment, the rights and responsibilities of consumers and business owners, and the balance between regulation and innovation.

Category: Politics

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