Des Moines, Iowa — A small group in the Iowa House is working on a bill that would tax the liquid used in electronic cigarettes at or near the same rate as combustible cigarettes.
Representative Ann Meyer of Fort Dodge says she’s concerned about the kids who’re using E-cigarettes.
People who buy vaping products in Iowa pay the state sales tax, but people who buy a pack of rolled cigarettes pay a far higher tobacco tax. Opponents of a new tax on vaping liquid say it’s a healthier alternative to combustible cigarettes and should not be taxed like tobacco because there’s no tobacco in it. Representative Steven Holt of Denison introduced the bill to spark a conversation about the products. Holt says his wife, who is a teacher, sees kids at school vaping with things that look like markers and other items that are really E-cigarettes in disguise.
Holt says he also understands some people use the product to stop smoking cigarettes and that’s something to be weighed as the debate continues. The bill stalled in the legislature last year, but has cleared a House subcommittee this week.
