Defines "electronic nicotine-delivery system shop" and requires that ten percent (10%) of sales revenue from said shops be transferred to the tobacco cessation programs pursuant to § 27-20-53.

Plain-English Summary

This bill focuses on vape shops and similar stores that primarily sell electronic cigarettes and other nicotine vaping products. It would create an official legal definition for these types of businesses, calling them "electronic nicotine-delivery system shops," which would likely include standalone stores whose main purpose is selling e-cigarettes, vape pens, e-liquids, and related products.

The core requirement of the bill is that these shops would be required to send 10% of their total sales revenue to Rhode Island's tobacco cessation programs — state-funded programs designed to help people quit using tobacco and nicotine products. For example, if a vape shop brings in $500,000 in sales in a year, $50,000 of that would go toward these cessation programs. This is similar to how funding from traditional tobacco taxes is sometimes directed toward public health initiatives.

This bill would directly affect business owners who operate vape and e-cigarette stores in Rhode Island, as it would create a significant new financial obligation tied to their total revenue. It would also affect Rhode Island residents who use tobacco cessation services, as those programs could receive additional funding. Consumers who shop at these stores might also be indirectly affected if businesses adjust their pricing in response to the new requirement.

The bill has been introduced and sent to the House Finance Committee, where lawmakers will review its details before deciding whether to move it forward.