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HB 849

Regards electronic smoking, tobacco, nicotine, vapor products

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Plummer and 1 co-sponsor

HB 849 would regulate electronic smoking, tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products in Ohio, including age restrictions, licensing, labeling, advertising limits, and enforcement.

Referred to committee
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Bill Summary · HB 849

Summary of HB 849 (Ohio, 136th General Assembly)

Purpose and intent

HB 849 aims to regulate electronic smoking products, tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products within Ohio. The bill seeks to establish rules governing sales, distribution, advertising, labeling, and age restrictions to address public health concerns related to vaping and tobacco products.

Key provisions and changes (highlights)

  • Age restrictions and access controls: Provisions likely set minimum age requirements for purchasing electronic smoking devices, tobacco products, nicotine products, and vapor products, with enforcement mechanisms to prevent youth access.
  • Product definitions and scope: The bill defines “electronic smoking products,” “tobacco products,” “nicotine products,” and “vapor products,” clarifying which items fall under state regulation and how they are treated for compliance purposes.
  • Retail licensing and registration: May require retailers to obtain licenses or registrations to sell these products, including potential background checks, fee structures, and renewal processes.
  • Advertising and marketing restrictions: Potential limits on where and how these products can be advertised (e.g., prohibitions on youth-targeted marketing, restrictions on flavors, or branding guidelines) to reduce appeal to minors.
  • Labeling and packaging: Requirements for product labeling, including health warnings, nicotine content disclosure, and standardized packaging to inform consumers and deter youth usage.
  • Taxation or fees: Possible imposition of excise taxes or regulatory fees on sales of electronic smoking, tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products, with specified rate schedules and collection mechanisms.
  • Flavor and product restrictions: Potential prohibitions or restrictions on certain flavors or product types that are perceived to attract youth, along with timelines for implementation.
  • Enforcement and penalties: Establishment of penalties for violations (fines, license suspensions/revocations, civil penalties) and designated state or local agencies responsible for enforcement.
  • Public health and education: Provisions directing state health agencies to study or monitor usage trends, and to conduct public education campaigns about risks associated with tobacco and nicotine products.
  • Compatibility with federal law: Language ensuring alignment with federal statutes and regulations governing tobacco and nicotine products, including FDA-related requirements.

Who would be affected

  • Retailers and businesses selling electronic smoking products, tobacco, nicotine, or vapor products in Ohio (including convenience stores, gas stations, vape shops, and online sellers).
  • Consumers and residents, particularly individuals under the legal purchasing age, who would face new age verification, purchase restrictions, and potential changes in product availability.
  • Manufacturers and distributors of tobacco and vapor products, who would be subject to labeling, packaging, and marketing requirements, as well as licensing or registration if imposed.
  • Local governments may be impacted if the bill allows or requires local opt-in/opt-out or more stringent local ordinances consistent with state standards.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced on May 6, 2026, in the Ohio House of Representatives.
  • Sponsor notes: Co-sponsors include Phil Plummer and Jodi Salvo, indicating bipartisan or cross-chamber support considerations (as applicable in the committee path).
  • Next steps: The bill would typically move through committee referral (e.g., Health, Commerce, or Criminal Justice committees), with hearings, amendments, and potential floor votes in the House, followed by consideration by the Ohio Senate and potential gubernatorial action. Timelines depend on committee schedules and legislative priorities.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Could tighten age-verification processes and reduce youth access to nicotine and vapor products.
  • May alter the marketplace through licensing fees, taxes, flavor restrictions, and stricter labeling requirements.
  • Enforcement intensity and penalties could affect compliance costs for retailers and manufacturers.
  • Public health initiatives may be expanded through state education campaigns and monitoring requirements.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s general intent and commonly included provisions based on its title and context. For precise language, exact section-by-section text, and current status (including any amendments or committee actions), consult the official Ohio General Assembly bill text and fiscal notes.

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

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