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Bill

HR 2111

To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exempt the premium cigar industry from certain regulations.

119th Congress Introduced by Brendan Boyle and 15 co-sponsors

HR 2111 exempts premium cigars from federal regulations, benefiting manufacturers and retailers while allowing adult consumers greater access to these products.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 2111

Summary of HR 2111: Premium Cigar Industry Exemption Bill

Bill Number: HR 2111
Title: To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exempt the premium cigar industry from certain regulations.
Status: Introduced in House
Introduced Date: March 14, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HR 2111 is to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exempt the premium cigar industry from specific federal regulations. The bill aims to recognize the unique characteristics of premium cigars and the demographic of their users, asserting that they pose less health risk compared to other tobacco products.

Key Provisions

  1. Exemption from Regulations: The bill seeks to exempt premium cigars from certain regulations imposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

  2. Definition of Premium Cigar: The bill adopts a narrower definition of premium cigars, which aligns with a recent court ruling that limits the scope of what constitutes a premium cigar, potentially allowing more products to qualify for the exemption.

  3. Health Findings: The bill references findings from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) that indicate:

    • Premium cigars represent only 1% of all cigars sold in the U.S.
    • Usage is primarily among adults, with minimal use among youth (0.6% under 18).
    • Premium cigar users are less likely to be concurrent smokers of cigarettes or other cigars.
    • The health risks associated with premium cigars are lower than those of other tobacco products, as users tend to be occasional smokers and do not inhale.

  4. State Regulation: The bill acknowledges that any health risks associated with premium cigars can be effectively managed at the state level, rather than through federal regulation.

Affected Parties

  • Premium Cigar Manufacturers: Primarily family-owned small businesses that produce premium cigars would benefit from reduced regulatory burdens.
  • Retail Establishments: Age-controlled retail outlets, such as tobacco specialty shops and cigar bars, would see fewer restrictions on the sale of premium cigars.
  • Consumers: Adult consumers of premium cigars may experience increased availability and potentially lower prices due to reduced regulatory compliance costs for manufacturers.

Legislative Actions

  • March 14, 2025: The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for further consideration.

Sponsors

The bill is sponsored by a bipartisan group of legislators, including:
- Primary Sponsor: Byron Donalds
- Cosponsors: Scott Franklin, Adriano Espaillat, Claudia Tenney, Ken Calvert, Dina Titus, Mario Diaz-Balart, Jimmy Panetta, Steven Horsford, Nicholas A. Langworthy, Brendan F. Boyle, Shomari Figures, and Henry Cuellar.

Conclusion

HR 2111 seeks to provide a regulatory exemption for the premium cigar industry, arguing that the unique characteristics and usage patterns of premium cigars warrant a different approach than that applied to other tobacco products. The bill's implications could significantly impact manufacturers, retailers, and consumers within the premium cigar market.

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

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