INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Anti-smoking advocates are arguing against a proposal that would reduce Indiana’s new tax on electronic cigarettes before it even takes effect.
The proposal approved by the Republican-dominated state Senate last month would cut the 25% tax charged on cartridges such as Juul devices to 15%.
The Legislature approved the higher rate last year to start July 2022. Health groups urged a House committee on Thursday to keep the 25% rate, saying they believed vaping devices should face taxes similar to cigarettes to discourage young people from using them.
Groups representing e-cigarette retailers said the lower tax rate was needed so that Indiana’s vaping tax was closer to neighboring states.
