Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Senate passed a bill on Tuesday that places new security requirements on e-liquid producers and bans retailers from selling them to minors.
House Bill 1432, authored by Rep. Kevin Mahan, R-Hartford City, defines e-liquid as a substance that is vaporized and inhaled by vapor pens.
The bill would require manufacturers to get a permit from the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission before bottling or selling the liquid. The fee for applying for a permit would be $1,000, which would be good for five years until the manufacturer would need to pay a $500 renewal fee.
HB 1432 also requires manufacturers to use specified safety equipment such as childproof caps and extra security where the e-liquid is manufactured.
Sen. Carlin Yoder, R-Middlebury, said the bill is fair and balanced and brings security and legitimacy into the e-liquid field.
But Sen. Vaneta Becker, R-Evansville, spoke out against the bill saying that e-liquid manufacturers in Evansville have concerns. Becker said the people are worried the bill is a way for big companies to eliminate the competition because the requirements and permits cost a significant amount of money, something the smaller businesses may not have.
Becker also said that she contacted the ATC and said officials there do not yet know how they will enforce the law if it is passed.
However, Yoder said that he is confident the licensing fees that the bill requires will be sufficient for the commission to find a way and that he is confident in their ability to enforce the law.
The Senate passed the bill 33-15 and moves back to the House where legislators will consider the changes in the bill.
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.