Washington State Senate Passes E-Cigarette Tax
Earlier this month, the Washington State Senate passed a bill to tax e-cigarette products, reportedly aimed at preventing youth vaping. On April 23, the Senate approved bill SB 5986 by a vote of 35 to 13, imposing taxes on vapor products. Supporters of th
Earlier this month, the Washington State Senate passed a bill imposing taxes on e-cigarette products, which is said to aim at preventing youth from using e-cigarettes.
On April 23, the Senate passed the tax bill SB 5986 for vapor products with a vote of 35 to 13. Supporters of the bill claim that taxing e-devices is a good way to encourage people to make "healthier" choices. Meanwhile, it is expected that this tax will generate $40 million in revenue by 2025.
On the other hand, in line with what many public health experts have continuously pointed out, the legislators opposing the bill stated that it does not take into account research showing that these devices are excellent smoking cessation tools. According to this bill, heated tobacco (HnB) products are also taxed like other tobacco products.
Senate Majority Coalition Vice Chair Bob Hasegawa told his colleagues in the Senate: "I believe our strategy is completely wrong. We know that e-cigarettes are a good option, an effective option... Therefore, if you are trying to incentivize good behavior through tax policy, you are actually doing the opposite."
Although she ultimately voted in favor, co-sponsor and House Majority Assistant Leader Patty Kuderer stated that she does not necessarily agree with the approach taken by the bill. She said: "I don't think taxing by the milliliter will stop people from using it. I do believe this is a product that should be taxed, but I think taxation should be used as a deterrent."
On April 23, the Senate passed the tax bill SB 5986 for vapor products with a vote of 35 to 13. Supporters of the bill claim that taxing e-devices is a good way to encourage people to make "healthier" choices. Meanwhile, it is expected that this tax will generate $40 million in revenue by 2025.
On the other hand, in line with what many public health experts have continuously pointed out, the legislators opposing the bill stated that it does not take into account research showing that these devices are excellent smoking cessation tools. According to this bill, heated tobacco (HnB) products are also taxed like other tobacco products.
Senate Majority Coalition Vice Chair Bob Hasegawa told his colleagues in the Senate: "I believe our strategy is completely wrong. We know that e-cigarettes are a good option, an effective option... Therefore, if you are trying to incentivize good behavior through tax policy, you are actually doing the opposite."
Although she ultimately voted in favor, co-sponsor and House Majority Assistant Leader Patty Kuderer stated that she does not necessarily agree with the approach taken by the bill. She said: "I don't think taxing by the milliliter will stop people from using it. I do believe this is a product that should be taxed, but I think taxation should be used as a deterrent."
