2.8.2024 Update: Virginia Vape Related Proposed Bills & Status

The Virginia legislative process is moving very rapidly. Below is a status update on the two bills that are detrimental to our industry (HB1069 & SB550), and we STILL need your help!

HB1069 | moved to House Appropriations Sub-Committee: Transportation & Public Safety

• Bill has not been added to the docket as of now, but should be heard by end of day Friday (tomorrow). 
• This is one of our biggest opportunities to kill the bill. Our lobbyist has meet with every committee member: Krizek (Chair),Sickles,McQuinn,Sewell,Askew,Knight,Austin,Wyatt,Torian and will continue to fight for us at the meeting.
• Stop what you are doing and call and email the committee members now to oppose HB1069l!!!!
• What if HB1069 passes this Committee meeting? The bill will move to the full House Appropriations Committee for another vote.

SB550 | passed though all committees in the Senate. We need to kill this kill on the floor now. We need to get the attention of Senators Scott A. Surovell, Mamie E. Locke, Lucas and ask them to vote against SB550.

**** As a reminder, when you reach out to lawmakers, please be professional, courteous and concise. ****

What Can You Do To Help?

1. Reach out to the committee members above. Click on the names above to gain access to their contact information. Pick up the phones and send emails! PLEASE be courteous and professional! We want them to take us seriously and to understand we are not the problem!

2. Consider supporting the Virginia Smoke Free Association. They have an active lobby team fighting hard for our industry. You can join as a member or submit a one time donation. Every dollar helps us continue this fight! https://www.virginiasmokefree.org/become-a-member/

Suggested Talking Points to Lawmakers (please use your own words):

• This is a Big Tobacco bill that will put small and mid size businesses out of business if passed. 
• This bill does nothing to protect the youth and will likely drive adults back to deadly cigarettes and Big Tobacco profits will increase as a result.
• The cost of this bill ($2.1 million) is reckless taxpayer money being spent. 
• The FDA already maintains a registry.
• Similar registration bills that Big Tobacco has supported in other states (Louisiana, Alabama and Oklahoma) have failed or have been overturned.
• Speak from the heart, let them know how vaping has changed your life and the life of your customers for the better.
• Tell them you don't sell to minors and have a strict policy against it.