Lawmakers discuss vape tax bill during session

Lawmakers discussed measures on the second reading file during the second day of session Tuesday to include a bipartisan vape tax bill. 

Senators attempted to iron out the kinks in Bill 193 which seeks to tax all vape products that deliver nicotine 10 % in the first year and 20% in the following year. 

The measure currently provides a tax incentive for the Guam Memorial Hospital and the Department of Revenue and Taxation.

Senator Chris Barnett proffered an amendment to instead make 60% of the tax to fund the Healthy Futures Fund, which funds various public health investments.

Lawmakers noted the popularity of vape products over cigarettes correlates to a yearly increasing revenue shortfall from the tobacco sin tax in the Healthy Future Fund.

After a lengthy discussion, Barnett’s amendment ultimately failed to garner enough support.