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Article: Nebraska’s LB 712: A 40% Vapor Tax That Threatens Harm Reduction and Small Businesses

Nebraska’s LB 712: A 40% Vapor Tax That Threatens Harm Reduction and Small Businesses

Nebraska lawmakers are considering LB 712, a bill that would impose a 40% wholesale tax on vapor products. If passed, this tax would make safer nicotine alternatives less affordable, discourage smoking cessation, and threaten small businesses across the state. 

The bill has been referred to the Revenue Committee but is not yet scheduled for a hearing. Now is the time for retailers, consumers, and industry stakeholders to speak out against this harmful legislation. 

The Real Impact of a 40% Vape Tax 

💰 Increased Costs for Consumers – Higher prices will make it harder for smokers to switch to vaping, despite its proven harm reduction benefits. 

🚬 Fewer Quit Attempts – Studies show that increasing taxes on vapor products reduces quit rates, keeping more people smoking traditional cigarettes. 

🏪 Threat to Small Businesses – Vape shops and distributors rely on competitive pricing to stay afloat. A 40% tax could force many retailers out of business. 

📉 Revenue Loss & Black Market Growth – Consumers will turn to out-of-state or illicit markets, resulting in lost tax revenue for Nebraska while fueling unregulated sales. 

The Science: Vape Taxes Hurt Public Health 

🔬 Research from the University of Georgia found that higher vape taxes reduce quit attempts, meaning that tax policies like LB 712 may do more harm than good. 

🇬🇧 Public Health England has taken the opposite approach, actively encouraging smokers to switch to vaping as a safer alternative. Why is Nebraska ignoring global best practices? 

Sin Taxes Are Regressive and Harm Low-Income Smokers 

🏠 Disproportionate Impact on Low-Income Consumers – People who smoke or switch to vaping are often in lower-income brackets. These individuals are also less likely to have healthcare access, making affordable harm reduction options even more critical. 

🚷 Sending the Wrong Message – Taxing vapor products at the same rate as cigarettes misleads the public into thinking they are equally harmful, discouraging smokers from switching to a less risky option. 

Call to Action: Oppose LB 712 

LB 712 is a misguided tax policy that penalizes harm reduction efforts, hurts small businesses, and disproportionately affects low-income communities. Before this bill moves forward, Nebraska lawmakers must hear from business owners, industry leaders, and consumers who will be impacted. 

What You Can Do Now: 

📢 Send an Email to Lawmakers – Urge them to oppose LB 712 and fight for fair, science-based regulations. 


📖 Read the Full Bill Here: Nebraska Legislature LB 712 


Take Action with CASAA: Nebraska Stop the Vape Tax 

Nebraska must prioritize harm reduction and small business growth—not punitive taxes. Make your voice heard before it’s too late! 

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