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Tag: Bill Lee

  • Tennessee Expands Vapor Product Definitions

    Tennessee Expands Vapor Product Definitions

    Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed legislation broadening the state’s definitions of “consumable material” and “vapor product” to explicitly include natural and synthetic liquid nicotine solutions and nicotine analogues used in e-cigarettes and related products. The measure, enacted under HB 2359, updates state tobacco and vapor product laws covering taxation, regulation, and enforcement.

    The law clarifies that vapor products include noncombustible devices using heating elements, batteries, or electronic mechanisms to produce vapor, including electronic cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, and associated cartridges or containers. It also expands taxable consumable materials to include synthetic nicotine and nicotine analogue formulations.

    In addition, the legislation gives Tennessee’s Alcoholic Beverage Commission authority to issue fines for violations involving the retail sale or offering of vapor products to individuals under the age of 21. The law took effect immediately upon approval and amended multiple sections of the Tennessee code related to tobacco, taxation, and retail enforcement.

  • Tennessee Amends Penalties for Underage Tobacco Use

    Tennessee Amends Penalties for Underage Tobacco Use

    Tennessee enacted new penalties for minors purchasing or possessing tobacco products under legislation signed by Governor Bill Lee on April 27 and approved as a Public Chapter yesterday (May 4). The law allows courts to impose a range of measures, including up to 50 hours of community service, completion of a court-approved education program, and/or civil fines between $10 and $50. Fines for minors younger than 18 may be levied on a parent or guardian.

    The legislation also introduces escalating consequences for repeat violations, including a 90-day informal adjustment period for first offenses and up to six months of probation for subsequent violations, alongside mandatory community service and participation in programs focused on the risks of tobacco and vapor products. The law will take effect July 1.