Peach Tree Times

State Representative Houston Gaines (R-Athens) has been appointed by Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to chair the House Study Committee on Safety and Consumer Protection of Nicotine Vapor Products. In the recent legislative session, Rep. Gaines authored House Bill 1260 to establish the Georgia Nicotine Vapor Products Directory. Although HB 1260 passed the House with a vote of 163-4, it did not receive a vote in the Senate.

"Earlier this year, the House passed meaningful legislation to reign in the illegal and unregulated Chinese manufactured market of disposable vapor products that target young people across our state," said Rep. Gaines. "In talking with parents, teachers, law enforcement and those working to address this challenge on the front lines, it's become clear we have reached a tipping point of disposable vape products negatively impacting young Georgians. While we'll continue to ensure access to legal smoking cessation and vape products, the Safety and Consumer Protection of Nicotine Vapor Products study committee will determine what steps are needed to crack down on illegal products harming our communities every day."

The committee was established by House Resolution 1283 and will investigate issues related to electronic cigarettes, e-liquids, and other nicotine vapor products. Its goal is to develop potential legislation aimed at preventing consumer harm and safeguarding public health.

Speaker Burns also appointed State Representatives Mesha Mainor (R-Atlanta), Gary Richardson (R-Evans), Carolyn Hugely (D-Columbus), Dale Washburn (R-Macon), and Alan Powell (R-Hartwell) as ex-officio members of the study committee.