Iowa Small Businesses File Lawsuit to Block Legislation That Could Destroy Independent Vapor Industry

In a bold move to protect small businesses and independent vape retailers, the Iowa Vapor Association, alongside Iowans for Alternatives to Smoking & Tobacco (IFAST), has filed a lawsuit against the Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR) over the sweeping implications of House File 2677 (HF 2677), a bill set to take effect in February 2025. The plaintiffs are requesting an injunction to halt the enforcement of this legislation, which they argue represents a significant overreach by state lawmakers, threatening the livelihood of small Iowa businesses while effectively handing over control of the vapor market to Big Tobacco.

Here are some key points:

• HF 2677 Threatens Iowa’s Vapor Industry: If enacted, the law would eliminate over 99% of the vapor products currently available in Iowa, severely impacting the state's vapor industry.
• Unfair Advantage to Big Tobacco: The legislation prioritizes e-cigarette products from Big Tobacco companies like R.J. Reynolds and Altria, giving them an unfair market edge over smaller, independent manufacturers.
• Impact on Small Businesses and Jobs: The law could force dozens of Iowa-based vapor businesses to close, putting many jobs and local economic stability at risk.

For more information, read the full press release here. To support Iowans for Alternatives to Smoking & Tobacco (IFAST) and learn more about their efforts, click here.