| Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Negative | Neutral | Negative | Negative | Neutral |
Relating to the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, and e-cigarettes; requiring occupational permits; imposing fees; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses.
Estimated Twoyear Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB248, Committee Report 2nd House, Substituted : a positive impact of $900,500 through the biennium ending August 31, 2023.
The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.
SB 248 would require retailers who sell e-cigarettes or vapes to apply for a permit to sell these goods. Applications for such a permit would require a fee. Retailers would also be penalized for violating the stipulations of this bill. Selling e-cigarettes or vapes without a permit would become a Class A Misdemeanor.
Texas Action opposes SB 248 because it violates the limited government, personal responsibility and free market principles. This bill puts needless restrictions on e-cigarette and vape retailers by requiring them to obtain a permit biennially, pay permitting fees, and subjects them to penalties and criminal charges for violating the provisions of this bill.