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HB 1626

HOSPITALS-FENTANYL TESTING

104th Regular Session Introduced by Mary Gill

HB 1626 prohibits selling disposable vapor products from certain foreign sources, impacting retailers and manufacturers while aiming to protect public health.

House Committee Amendment No. 1 Rule 19(c) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1626

Summary of House Bill 1626 (HB 1626)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1626 (HB 1626) aimed to prohibit the retail sale of disposable vapor products from certain foreign parties deemed prohibited. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025, with the intent to regulate the sale of vapor products that pose potential health risks and to ensure compliance with U.S. regulations regarding foreign entities.

Key Provisions

  • Definition of Disposable Vapor Product: The bill defined a "disposable vapor product" as a vapor product that:

    • Has a battery that is not detachable from the atomizer or vaporizer.
    • Cannot be refilled with e-liquid.
    • Is designed to be disposed of after the e-liquid is used.

  • Prohibition Scope: The sale of disposable vapor products was prohibited if they were sourced from a "prohibited foreign party," which is defined in accordance with existing regulations concerning international arms control.

  • Enforcement and Penalties:

    • The Director of Arkansas Tobacco Control (ATC) was authorized to seize any disposable vapor products sold in violation of the prohibition.
    • Violations of the prohibition were classified as a Class A misdemeanor.

  • Grace Period: The bill allowed for a 90-day grace period for licensed manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and vendors to liquidate or dispose of any existing stock of disposable vapor products from prohibited foreign parties.

  • Notification Requirement: The ATC was required to notify all relevant parties about the new requirements and compliance timelines.

Impact

  • Affected Parties: The bill would have impacted manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and vendors of disposable vapor products, particularly those sourcing from foreign entities classified as prohibited.

  • Fiscal Impact: The Department of Finance and Administration indicated an undetermined reduction in sales and use tax collections due to the prohibition, but specific estimates were not available.

  • Implementation Timeline: The ATC was expected to undertake efforts to educate permit holders about the new law and ensure compliance within the specified grace period.

Legislative Actions

  • Amendments: The bill underwent amendments, notably Amendment No. 2, which narrowed the scope to specifically address sales from prohibited foreign parties.
  • Status: HB 1626 died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025, and did not progress to a full vote.

Conclusion

While HB 1626 aimed to regulate the sale of disposable vapor products from certain foreign sources, it ultimately did not advance through the legislative process. The bill highlighted ongoing concerns regarding public health and safety in relation to vaping products and their origins.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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