The Arkansas House of Representatives on Tuesday narrowly approved a bill that would regulate alternative nicotine products, commonly known as e-cigarettes.
Senate Bill 978, sponsored by Sen. Eddie Joe Williams, R-Cabot, passed the House with a 51-16 vote.
The legislation would not add any additional taxes but would provide "considerable regulation" for these nicotine products, Rep. Douglas House, R-North Little Rock, said when he presented the bill.
"We do not currently regulate alternative nicotine products," House said.
The actual mechanical devices that deliver the vapor, also known as "juice," will not be regulated, House said.
The bill will regulate the vapor liquid, some of which is extracted from tobacco and some is extracted from vegetables, House said.
The vapor products will be regulated to ensure quality, something that cannot be guaranteed currently if it is not produced in the United States, House said. He said that local vapor shops are in favor of this regulation.
See Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full coverage.
