Today in the House of Delegates, House Bill 5437 passed.
House Bill 5437, the Vape Safety Act, would require those operating a vape or smoke shop to obtain a license from the ABC Commissioner. The annual license fee would be at least $1,200. The funds collected from fees will be split between the ABC Enforcement Fund and the Agricultural Fees Fund. The bill limits where a vape or smoke shop may open, preventing locations within 300 feet of childcare facilities, public or private schools or colleges, public parks or libraries, government buildings, a residence, another vape or smoke shop, or bars. The bill also places regulations on signage, advertising, and labeling.
Opponents expressed concerns about regulating an industry that should be handled at the local level. Proponents believe this bill will protect children and remove bad actors.
Additionally, House Bill 4006, the WV Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing Growth Act, was passed. The Act would establish a program to encourage the attraction, development, construction, operation, maintenance, manufacturing, and expansion of the aerospace economy and its facilities in West Virginia. It would also create the West Virginia Aviation and Aerospace Job Development Investment Grant Program. Additionally, the bill creates the WV Aerospace MRO Workforce and Aviation Maintenance Education Act. The bill was amended to clarify that eligible institutions include public community and technical colleges, CTCs with aviation maintenance training, and any four-year higher education institution.
The House completed legislative action on House Bills 4215 and 4575. On House Bill 4433, the House concurred with additional amendments.
The House is adjourned until 10 a.m. on Monday, March 2.
Committee Meetings, Today February 27
- Government Organization at 2:15 p.m. in Room 215E
- Finance at 2:30 p.m. in Room 460M
Committee Meetings, Monday March 2
- Judiciary at 9 a.m. in Room 410M
- Finance at 9 a.m. in Room 460M
- Health & Human Resources at 9:05 a.m. in Room 215E
- Rules at 9:45 a.m. in Speaker’s Conference Room 218M
- Government Organization at 1 p.m. in Room 215E
- Education at 1 p.m. in Room 432M
- Energy & Public Works at 3:30 p.m. in Room 410M
