Maine: HP1155/LD1550 (formerly LR1006), which prohibits the sale and distribution of all flavored tobacco products and ENDS (includes menthol products), was heard in the Joint Committee on Health and Human Services on May 7, 2021. HP942/LD1282, which limits the number of electronic nicotine delivery devices and nicotine liquid containers that may be sold in a single transaction; requires tobacco retailers to examine and scan a government-issued photographic identification using a scanning technology or other automated, software-based system, reported from the Joint Committee on Health and Human Services as “ought not to pass” on May 3, 2021.
Massachusetts: Senate Bill 1813 (filed as SD188), which increases the tax on cigars weighing more than 3 pounds per 1,000 and not more than 12 pounds per 1,000 by 80% of wholesale; increases the tax on smoking tobacco by 90 percent of wholesale; increases the tax on smokeless tobacco (except snuff) to 45 percent of wholesale, was referred to the Joint Committee on Revenue on March 29, 2021.
Missouri: Senate File 283, which regulates the sale of liquor and had passed the Senate, was amended in the House to include regulations on the sale of tobacco on May 4, 2021. The amendment includes prohibiting the possession and purchase of tobacco by those under the age of 21 and preempts local governments from the field of regulating the sale of tobacco products, including regulating alternative nicotine products, and vapor products.
Montana: Senate Bill 398, which prohibits a local government from adopting or enforcing any local ordinance or resolution that prohibits the sale of alternative nicotine products or vapor products, was sent to the Governor on May 4, 2021.
Oklahoma: House Bill 2292, which creates the Oklahoma Tax Commission to enforce the tobacco tax laws and requires that retailers may only purchase tobacco products from Oklahoma licensed wholesalers, was signed by the Governor on May 3, 2021.
Texas: House Bill 211, which has been reverted to its original form and taxes vapor products at 5 cents per milliliter, was placed on the General State Calendar in the House on May 6, 2021.
For all the latest news from the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO), visit natocentral.org.
