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Few Issues Remain Undecided In Vaping Regulations Bill

By Brandon Smith, IPB News | Published on in Business, Politics, Statewide News
(WFIU/WTIU)
(WFIU/WTIU)

House and Senate authors of new vaping regulations say they’re in 99 percent agreement on the bill as the session’s end draws near.

There’s general agreement in the e-liquid bill about rules that include reporting ingredients to state regulators and certain labeling and bar code requirements.

Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport) says a provision still to be decided involves so-called “open” and “closed” e-liquid systems. Open vaping systems are refillable; closed systems are sealed, meant for one-time use.

At issue, Head says, is whether regulations should apply equally to both.

“Logically, it seems to most people – I think – that the rules ought to apply evenly to everyone. But the people who make closed systems are presenting their case,” Head says.

Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) says the other unresolved issue is whether to allow online sales. Lehman says he’s not certain about the effectiveness of online age verification technology.

“Until more of that gets developed over time, I think a face-to-face is probably the better path,” Lehman says.

The legislature hopes to end its 2017 session this week.