Alaska Senate President Proposes New E-Cigarette Tax to Curb Youth Vaping

Alaska Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, has introduced a new bill seeking to impose the first-ever statewide tax on e-cigarette products, along with raising the legal age for purchasing, selling or distributing those products to 21, aligning with federal law. The bill, Senate Bill 89, is aimed at reducing the rising trend of e-cigarette use, also known as vaping, especially among young Alaskans.

This article will examine the new bill, its potential impact on the state's tobacco use rate, and its significance in the fight against youth vaping.

The Need for the Bill

Stevens believes that the bill is necessary to combat the rising trend of e-cigarette use in Alaska. According to the most recent state tobacco report released in December by the state Department of Health, while youth smoking has dropped significantly since the 1990s, youth use of e-cigarette products has increased so much that it nearly offsets the decline in smoking.

"This is about protecting our children from the addiction of nicotine and their ability to get access to these products," Stevens said in a statement. He pointed out that Alaska has an active underage sales enforcement program which has reduced sales of smoking products to minors, but more steps are needed to see Alaska's tobacco use rate decline.

The Proposed Bill

The new bill seeks to impose a 25% tax on the retail price of e-cigarette products. This is a different tax approach than last year's bill, which would have imposed a 35% tax on the wholesale price of e-cigarette products.

In addition, the bill aims to raise the legal age for purchasing, selling, or distributing e-cigarette products to 21, in line with federal law. Currently, the legal age in Alaska is 19.

The proposed bill has four co-sponsors in the Senate's bipartisan majority coalition, including Majority Leader Cathy Giessel, an Anchorage Republican who is an advanced practice registered nurse.

The Potential Impact of the Bill

Stevens believes that the bill's tax approach is effective at reducing tobacco use, as it discourages youths from taking up the habit and helps give adults incentives to quit. Alaska's state tobacco tax has not changed since 2006, a time before e-cigarettes became prominent in the marketplace.

If passed into law, the new bill could have a significant impact on reducing the rising trend of e-cigarette use among young Alaskans. However, some critics argue that such taxes may not be effective in reducing youth vaping.

Conclusion

Alaska Senate President Gary Stevens' proposed bill seeks to impose the first-ever statewide tax on e-cigarette products, along with raising the legal age for purchasing, selling, or distributing those products to 21, aligning with federal law. The bill's tax approach is different from last year's bill and seeks to reduce the trend of e-cigarette use, especially among young Alaskans. If passed, the new bill could have a significant impact on reducing tobacco use in the state.

FAQs

1. What is Senate Bill 89?
   Senate Bill 89 is a new bill proposed by Alaska Senate President Gary Stevens seeking to impose the first-ever statewide tax on e-cigarette products, along with raising the legal age for purchasing, selling or distributing those products to 21, aligning with federal law.
2. What is the aim of Senate Bill 89?
   The aim of Senate Bill 89 is to reduce the rising trend of e-cigarette use in Alaska, especially among young Alaskans.
3. What is the proposed tax approach in Senate Bill 89?
   The proposed tax approach in Senate Bill 89 seeks to impose a 25% tax on the retail price of e-cigarette products. This is a different approach from last year's bill, which would have imposed a 35% tax on the wholesale price of e-cigarette products.
4. How could Senate Bill 89 impact tobacco use in Alaska?
   If passed into law, Senate Bill 89 could have a significant impact on reducing the rising trend of e-cigarette use among young Alaskans. The bill's tax approach is believed to be effective at reducing tobacco use by discouraging youths from taking up the habit and helping give adults incentives to quit.
5. What is the current legal age for purchasing e-cigarette products in Alaska?
   Currently, the legal age for purchasing, selling or distributing e-cigarette products in Alaska is 19. However, Senate Bill 89 seeks to raise this age to 21, aligning with federal law.