Ohio House votes to override Gov. DeWine's veto of bill to prohibit flavored tobacco bans

For now, municipalities can still ban flavored tobacco

By J.Alex- Jan 8, 2024

The Ohio House made a decisive move on Wednesday, voting to override Gov. Mike DeWine's veto of a bill aiming to prevent cities from imposing bans on flavored tobacco. This action reflects ongoing efforts by Republican lawmakers to halt local regulation of flavored tobacco products, including menthol. Notably, Columbus is set to ban the sale of flavored tobacco next month, with Cincinnati, Dayton, and Cleveland exploring similar steps.

This vote underscored the enduring disagreement between DeWine and legislative leaders, a rift that has persisted for months. Overriding vetoes is unusual and demands more votes in both the House and Senate.

Representative Jon Cross, R-Findlay, emphasized, "In this holiday spirit, I cannot think of a better holiday gift than delivering this vote to the hardworking Ohioans who need us to keep this place open for business."

Advocates for curbing tobacco use argue that these bans are vital in curbing teen vaping, especially considering studies showing that young people gravitate towards fruit or candy-flavored e-cigarettes. Additionally, they highlight the deliberate marketing of menthol cigarettes to Black Americans by tobacco companies, contributing to 45,000 tobacco-related deaths annually, according to the American Lung Association.

However, GOP officials in the House and Senate defend the need for uniform guidelines at the state level, citing the protection of small businesses. The bill frames tobacco regulation as a "matter of general statewide concern," raising concerns among opponents that it could nullify other local anti-tobacco rules.

Rob Crane, president of the Preventing Tobacco Addiction Foundation, expressed concern: "Local elected leaders are closest to and understand best the problems their citizens and their children face. The House's disrespectful slap in the face to these leaders and home rule is extreme and reckless."

This legislative tussle began after the Columbus City Council's decision to ban flavored tobacco sales from January 2024. Despite DeWine's prior veto earlier in the year, the House and Senate included the measure in their two-year budget plan. The governor vetoed that attempt as well.

A spokesperson for DeWine declined to comment on Wednesday night.

Photo byE-Liquids UKonUnsplash

"Our actions tonight speak volumes. They're a statement about whose lives we value in this great state," said Rep. Dontavius Jarrells, D-Columbus. "By moving forward with this override, we're sending a resounding message that the lives of Black Ohioans and many, many others are simply being overlooked."

Currently, municipalities retain the ability to ban flavored tobacco. For the legislation to take effect, three-fifths of the Senate must also vote to override DeWine's veto. A spokesman for Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima, stated that senators have a year to debate the issue, and he's unaware of any ongoing discussions.

[Credit] The Enquirer

[Credit] Spectrum News