The bill amends the Arkansas Tobacco Products Tax Act of 1977 to improve public awareness of the health risks associated with vapor products and e-liquids, particularly for youth. It introduces new provisions requiring the Arkansas Tobacco Control to inform the public about these risks and to prevent contamination of vapor and e-liquid products. A new chapter in Arkansas Code Title 20 is established, defining terms related to tobacco and vapor products, and mandates that all alternative nicotine products and e-liquids sold at retail must be packaged in child-resistant containers. The bill also imposes strict regulations on advertising and marketing, prohibiting strategies that appeal to minors, and empowers the Director of Arkansas Tobacco Control to conduct inspections to ensure product safety.

Additionally, the bill outlines new regulations for manufacturers of vapor products and e-liquids, including certification requirements and compliance with federal standards. Key provisions include the use of removable batteries, the sale of products without e-liquid, and the design of refillable containers. Manufacturers must pay an initial certification fee of $500 and an annual fee of $250 for each brand family, with penalties for non-compliance reaching up to $1,000 per violation. The bill also mandates compliance checks for retailers and wholesalers, allowing for unannounced inspections, and expands the grounds for the seizure of non-compliant products. It emphasizes the establishment of a public directory of compliant manufacturers and their products, enhancing the regulatory framework for tobacco and vapor products in Arkansas.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB252 V2 - 2-25-2025 10:43 AM: 26-57-203(4), 26-57-254, 20-78-202(2), 20-27-1803(6), 02-25-2025, 26-57-203, 26-57-255(g)
Old version SB252 V3 - 3-17-2025 02:55 PM: 26-57-203(4), 26-57-254, 03-17-2025, 20-78-202(2), 20-27-1803(6), 26-57-203, 26-57-255(g)
Old version SB252 Original - 2-18-2025 12:03 PM: 26-57-203(4), 26-57-254, 20-78-202(2), 20-27-1803(6), 26-57-203, 26-57-255(g)
SB 252: 26-57-203(4), 26-57-254, 20-78-202(2), 20-27-1803(6), 26-57-203, 26-57-255(g)
Act 590: 26-57-203(4), 26-57-254, 03-17-2025, 20-78-202(2), 20-27-1803(6), 26-57-203, 26-57-255(g)