Washington Retail testified on two critical bills addressing tobacco and vapor product regulation: HB 1203 and HB 1534. While both bills seek to address youth access to dangerous and unregulated vapor products, WR emphasized the importance of smart, enforceable policy over broad bans that would unintentionally fuel the illicit market.
HB 1203: Well-Intended, But Harmful Consequences
WR supports HB 1203’s goal of reducing youth access to flavored tobacco and vapor products but warns that outright bans drive sales underground. Washington already ranks 5th nationally in illicit tobacco smuggling, with nearly 37% of all cigarettes in the state coming from illegal sources. If HB 1203 passes, illicit networks will likely take over flavored product sales, eliminating oversight, ID checks, and consumer protections.
Data from California and Massachusetts shows similar bans increase youth access as unregulated markets flourish. Instead of protecting consumers, HB 1203 would shift sales from responsible retailers to criminal enterprises.
HB 1534: A Solution for Harm Reduction
WR supports HB 1534, which offers a practical approach to keeping dangerous vape products away from youth. The bill establishes a statewide tobacco and vapor registry, ensuring only legal, regulated products are sold in Washington. This measure:
- Creates transparency across the supply chain, holding manufacturers and retailers accountable.
- Prevents illegal products from entering the market.
- Levels the playing field for responsible businesses that follow the law and want to sell legal products to adults while protecting youth.
During testimony, WR urged lawmakers to support HB 1534’s enforcement-first approach, which prioritizes public health, helps legitimate retailers, and cuts off illegal product sales at the source.
WR remains committed to advocating for common-sense, enforceable policies like HB 1534 that balance regulation with harm reduction.
