The Vermont House gave final approval Thursday to a bill that would impose a 92 percent excise tax on electronic cigarettes and associated paraphernalia, including vaporizers.
The bill passed on a voice vote. On Wednesday, the measure got preliminary approval on an 83-56 roll call vote.
Supporters said they hope the tax will reduce the use of e-cigarettes, which they say are harmful. Opponents argued that some people have successfully stopped smoking tobacco cigarettes by getting their nicotine through another source.
The initiative was pushed by Rep. George Till, D-Jericho, a doctor.
The bill now goes to the Senate; however, it will need special approval because it did not reach the Senate by the crossover deadline.
Sen. President Pro Tem John Campbell, D-Windsor, said he would push to have the Senate Rules Committee allow the bill to go forward.
Campbell said he supported the tax and didn’t think “vaping” was an effective way to stop smoking cigarettes.
“You’re replacing one addiction with another. There’s still nicotine,” he said. “I think the excise tax is fair in light of some of the problems we may see arise with their use and purchase.”
A spokesperson for Gov. Peter Shumlin said he was supportive of the legislation but that it was not a priority.
The proposal, if passed, would raise an estimated $500,000 a year, which would be used to reduce the assessment on employers that do not provide health insurance.
