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Lawmakers explored whether and how to tax vaping products at a study committee hearing.
FILE PHOTO: WTIU/WFIUIndiana lawmakers are considering taxes on vaping products – as well as where to tax them and how much.
A study committee took testimony Tuesday from health advocates and industry officials.
The vaping product taxing debate includes whether the levy should be at the wholesale level or at retail locations, what the rate should be, and if it should be based on liquid amount or nicotine levels.
Sellers and distributors mostly agree – they want it taxed at the wholesale level, says convenience store lobbyist Brad Baughn.
“And having a system already in place with traditional tobacco just, to us, seems very seamless,” Baughn says.
READ MORE: Health Officials Report Two More Vaping-Related Deaths In Indiana
Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) wants to go further – he wants to, in his words, “send a message.”
“Damn near confiscatory tax with a much, much higher, visible rate for heavier nicotine or flavoring,” DeLaney says.
Health advocates urged lawmakers to enact measures that would help curb the use of vaping products, particularly among young people.
Contact Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.
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