Accomplishments

SB0842

What it proposed

Like HB1241, this bill grants enforcement authority to the ATCC and includes clerical record-keeping requirements for vapor products.

What the Alliance did

The MVA testified in support, both orally and in writing, while suggesting amendments to eliminate the tedious clerical requirements that did not contribute to compliance. These amendments were made, resulting in the bill passing the Senate Finance Committee and receiving a favorable vote from the Senate. It will become law on October 1, 2025.

HB1241

What it proposed

Grants enforcement power to the ATCC and introduces clerical requirements for record-keeping of vapor products.

What the Alliance did

The MVA provided both oral and written testimony supporting the bill but advocated for amendments to remove cumbersome clerical requirements that wouldn’t enhance compliance. The amendments were accepted, leading to the bill passing the Economic Matters Committee and receiving favorable votes from the House of Delegates and the Senate. It is set to become law on October 1, 2025.

SB0918

What it proposed

Similar to HB1441, this bill was developed in conjunction with the Attorney General's tobacco compliance office and big tobacco. It proposes a registry of vapor products approved by the Attorney General with no specific guidelines, along with high fees exceeding $5,000 per SKU for approval.

What the Alliance did

The MVA voiced strong opposition through both written and oral testimony, stating that the bill favored big tobacco interests. As a result, it was not voted on in the Senate Finance Committee and was confirmed dead before the crossover deadline.

HB1441

What it proposed

This bill, crafted with the assistance of the Attorney General's tobacco compliance office and big tobacco, establishes a registry of vapor products approved by the Attorney General, lacking specific approval guidelines. It imposes exorbitant fees of over $5,000 per SKU for approval to sell in Maryland.

What the Alliance did

The MVA opposed this bill with both written and oral testimony, arguing that it was designed by big tobacco to their advantage. The bill was not voted on in the Economic Matters Committee and was effectively deemed dead before the crossover deadline.

SB1056

What it proposed

Requires that vapor products be sold only by licensed vape shops. It introduces an additional licensing fee and imposes stricter penalties on retailers selling to underage individuals.

What the Alliance did

The MVA testified in support of the bill, which passed as originally written in the Senate Finance Committee. However, the Economic Matters Committee later removed the provision requiring vapor products to be sold exclusively in licensed vape shops. The final version of the bill passed with an increased licensing fee and tougher penalties for violations.

HB1197

What it proposed

Similar to SB987, this bill creates a registry for all vapor products and restricts sales in Maryland to products with FDA approval.

What the Alliance did

The MVA presented compelling oral testimony and submitted written statements from members. The bill was defeated in the Economic Matters Committee without receiving a vote.

SB987

What it proposed

Establishes a registry for all vapor products, limiting sales in Maryland to items with FDA approval.

What the Alliance did

The MVA testified with compelling evidence and submitted written testimony from its members. The bill was defeated in the Finance Committee without receiving a vote.

HB1414

What it proposed

Imposes a 30% tax on open vapor systems.

What the Alliance did

The MVA submitted a strong written testimony and attended the hearing to provide oral testimony against the bill. As a result of the MVA’s strong presence, the sponsor withdrew the bill.

SB259

What it proposed

Prohibits the manufacture, sale, and importation of all flavored tobacco products, including flavored vaping products, within the State of Maryland.

What the Alliance did

MVA defeats the bill in the Finance Committee.

SB99

What it proposed

Allowing counties to enact their own tobacco laws regulating sale, distribution, and taxation of cigarettes, other tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices.

What the Alliance did

MVA defeats the bill in Finance Committee

HB442

What it proposed

Allowing Baltimore City to enact their own tobacco laws regulating sale, distribution, and taxation of cigarettes, other tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices.

What the Alliance did

MVA defeats the bill after an unfavorable report in Economic Matters Committee

HB477

What it proposed

Allowing counties to enact their own tobacco laws regulating sale, distribution, and taxation of cigarettes, other tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices. Bill withdrew by sponsor due to lobbying efforts on behalf of the MVA

SB249

What it proposed

Allowing Baltimore City to enact their own tobacco laws regulating sale, distribution, and taxation of cigarettes, other tobacco products, and electronic smoking devices. Bill withdrew by sponsor due to lobbying efforts on behalf of the MVA

HB1227

What it proposed

Specifies synthetic nicotine as a tobacco product, and therefore is subject to regulations as a tobacco product. Bill withdrew by sponsor due to lobbying efforts on behalf of the MVA

SB990

What it proposed

Sets product limitation on adult purchases. Bans one-time disposable use of electronic cigarettes, and requires electronic cigarettes sold in-store to be on the market on or before 08/08/2016. Bill withdrew by sponsor due to lobbying efforts on behalf of the MVA

HB732

What it proposed

MVA offered amendments to lower the proposed 86% wholesale and floor tax to a 6% point of sales tax for all e-liquid above 5mL. The governor vetoed the tax bill, but the veto was overridden. The new tax is effective on March 14, 2021.

SB177

What it proposed

(Hearing) and SB273 (Hearing) MVA testifies with strong opposition SB177 which is a flavor ban.

What the Alliance did

MVA offers amendments to SB273 to protect Maryland vape shops and flavored vaping products. The bill is successfully defeated and never brought to a vote by the Senate Finance Committee. The bill is never brought to a vote by the Senate Finance Committee.

HB134

What it proposed

MVA testifies with strong opposition against flavor ban. The bill is successfully defeated and never brought to a vote before the Economic Matters Committee.