State lawmakers around the country are taking a diligent, pragmatic route on tobacco policy — and it’s happening across the partisan divide.
Encouraging Americans to live healthy lives is an admirable goal. But using the heavy hand of government to influence these decisions comes with unintended consequences. Recently, policymakers in Idaho and Hawaii have taken a step back from the easy talking-point win and have chosen a reality-driven approach regarding flavored tobacco and vapor products.
In Idaho, where Republicans control the state Legislature, representatives stopped House Bill 331, which would have taxed vapor products at the same 40-percent rate as traditional smoking tobacco products, from passing in committee. National Taxpayers Union submitted testimony to the Idaho House Revenue and Taxation Committee and spoke with legislators about how the proposal would have the opposite effect as the intended goal of promoting healthier lives.
As we know, taxes do influence buying behavior. But unfortunately, taxing smoke-free alternatives at the same rate as cigarettes eliminates an economic incentive for consumers to choose a proven, less harmful option. Vapor and smoking products differ; state law definitions and tax codes should reflect their distinct characteristics.
In Hawaii, House Bill 551 would have outlawed flavored tobacco products. This legislation would have banned smoke-free options from the market in Hawaii that are known to help people stop smoking and limited access to a less harmful option, flavored vapor products.
National Taxpayers Union engaged with state lawmakers in Hawaii on this policy, including sending testimony to the House Committees on Finance, Consumer Protection & Commerce, and Labor & Government Relations to inform them about this and share the effects of Massachusetts’ flavor ban. Tobacco use didn’t decrease in the Bay State because of the prohibition. Sales merely transferred to border states.
Time ran out on this Hawaii bill, which did not receive a vote in committee and will not come up for a vote by the full Democratic-controlled Senate.
National Taxpayers Union stands for sound policy and good governance regarding public health issues. We applaud legislators in Idaho and Hawaii who have stood up against the perceived easy lay-up on tobacco policies for what is ultimately in the best interest of their residents.