Understanding the Proposed Bill, Its Impact, and How to Make Your Voice Heard
Idaho Senate Bill S.1366 is another one of many bills being proposed by states nationwide to ban very popular vaping products. But what’s really behind the legislation? In this post, we’ll take a look and tell you how to get involved.
Since federal regulations on vaping were introduced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in 2020, the controversy surrounding their effectiveness, true purpose, and fairness have been lobbied about Washington and states nationwide. One of the latest states to propose a vaping ban is Idaho.
For all intents and purposes, Idaho Senate Bill S.1366 will turn the State of Idaho into an enforcement arm for the FDA by requiring vape manufacturers, vape shops, and smoke shops to follow regulations imposed by the FDA under the risk of strict financial penalty.
Additionally, it will prohibit consenting adults from purchasing some of the most popular vaping products on the market today, specifically, those containing flavored e-nicotine juice other than tobacco or menthol.
Key arguments against the new Idaho vape ban;
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It’s Big Tobacco running things behind the scenes.
Many of the vape bans popping up across the United States seem to be a direct result of Big Tobacco lobbying for these restrictions. Why? The FDA ban, and consequently the Idaho ban, is Big Tobacco friendly.
Under the FDA rules, independent vape manufacturers proudly offering less costly vaping options to adults bear the burden of the restrictions, while e-cigarettes and vaping devices introduced by Big Tobacco brands that have not received Premarket Tobacco Product Application authorization are allowed to remain on the market.
Additionally, it’s been proven (ironically enough) that flavor bans like those included in the FDA regulations tend to increase cigarette sales. So, essentially Big Tobacco is looking at a win/win in selling more products if the Idaho vape ban passes.
Sound unfair? Then get involved! CASAA, an organization that mobilizes action and helps individuals amplify their voices, makes it easy. Click here to get started and learn about crafting a compelling message to your Idaho legislators!
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Denys adults the flavors they prefer.
You must be 21 years or older to purchase vapes in Idaho. In other words, a consenting adult. Admittedly, no laws are foolproof. However, adults should be able to make choices for themselves. Additionally, the ban does not eliminate vaping devices produced by Big Tobacco. Interesting?
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Bans popular disposable vapes.
Known for their affordability and ease of use, these devices compete directly with pre-filled kits produced by tobacco companies.
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It will put small businesses in Idaho out of business.
Should the proposed Idaho legislation pass, there is no telling how severe the economic impact will be on local vape and smoke shops. But it will no doubt be severe as these hard-working, independent business owners will lose the ability to sell their most popular items. Many will likely go under.
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People will lose their jobs.
When local businesses are impacted, so are the people employed by these businesses. Suddenly, many vape shop and smoke shop employees – hard-working, tax-paying citizens of Idaho – will find their jobs and futures in jeopardy.
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Vapers will return to smoking cigarettes.
This certainly isn’t bad news for Big Tobacco! But it absolutely is for those who have turned to vaping as a way to quit smoking cigarettes. Studies show that when vapes become unavailable, many former smokers return to tobacco.
When does the Idaho ban go into effect?
A hearing date has not yet been set for the Idaho Senate Bill S.1366; however, it will undoubtedly happen sooner than later, so now is the time to voice your opinions regarding the legislation. If you’d like to dig deeper on your own, you can find the complete bill text here, and again, you can learn more about making sure your voice is heard with CASAA.
Conclusion
There is no argument that regulation is necessary with nicotine products like vaping systems. Underage usage should be prohibited, and selling to underaged users should be punishable. But bans have proven ineffective. A study conducted in 2023 showed that less than five percent of adult users quit using nicotine products due to FDA restrictions.
Ultimately, it comes down to this. As a tax-paying adult, do you believe you have the right to make your own choices regarding vaping in Idaho? If so, we encourage you to make your voice known before state legislators vote on State Senate Bill S.1366.