On December 22nd, 2020, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a bill that would have preempted local governments from regulating e-cigarettes and vaping products. The bill, known as House Bill (HB) 242, would have prohibited local governments from enacting or enforcing laws, regulations, or ordinances related to the use, sale, distribution, or taxation of e-cigarettes and vaping products.
Governor DeWine cited concerns about the potential health risks associated with vaping, as well as the increasing use of e-cigarettes among young people, as reasons for his veto. He stated that the bill would have hindered the ability of local governments to protect public health and prevent youth vaping.
The veto of HB 242 is a victory for local governments and health advocates who have been pushing for stricter regulations on e-cigarettes and vaping products. Local governments in Ohio have been working to implement their own regulations on e-cigarettes and vaping products, such as raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products to 21 and banning the sale of flavored e-cigarettes.
The decision by Governor DeWine to veto the bill aligns with the efforts of the Ohio Department of Health to combat the youth vaping epidemic and protect public health. The Department has been working to educate the public about the dangers of vaping and has been supporting local governments in their efforts to regulate e-cigarettes and vaping products.
In summary, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a bill that would have preempted local governments from regulating e-cigarettes and vaping products. The Governor cited concerns about the potential health risks associated with vaping, as well as the increasing use of e-cigarettes among young people, as reasons for his veto. The veto is a victory for local governments and health advocates who have been pushing for stricter regulations on e-cigarettes and vaping products.
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