Will Kotek ban cartoon beer labels, vape flavors?

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

Governor Kotek and certain Lawmakers, Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Portland) and Senator Kathleen Taylor (D-Portland) are trying to ban adult products without ever having to take a vote.

Kotek’s power-grab bill is HB 2528, and Senate President Rob Wagner’s power-grab bill is Senate Bill 1198.

Senate Bill 1198 would give Kotek’s Health Department the unlimited power ban any vaping/tobacco product if the agency deems that the packaging might interpreted to appeal to minors.

If Senate Bill 1198 is passed, it will be open hunting season on any packaging of a legal adult product that un-elected state bureaucrats do not like.

The very fact that vaping comes in flavors has been used as an attack to ban any such product that contains an actual flavor, as a way to ban adult products to protect minors.

Once vaping/tobacco is under attack under this bill — it will only be a matter of time when the debate moves to wine, beer and cider.

Already the Legislature has been trying to reduce drinking through a bill to tax drink containers and an 8% alcohol tax.

The three Oregon beers we showcase are an example of a product that government bureaucrats would likely ban for being too appealing to children —  even though any ordinary person would realize they do not.

Senate Bill 1198 is having a rush hearing this Monday in Senate Committee On Rules, 04/21/2025 1:00 PM, HR C.

Whether a product is engaged in unlawful advertising is a role for the courts where both sides can properly present their case to a neutral judge.

Please take a moment to stop the bill that would empower un-elected agency bureaucrats with the power to ban legal adult products related to vaping and tobacco.

Once we go down this road of letting agencies ban products based on ill-defined appeal to minors, we open the floodgates to ban all sorts of products.  This is why we fear that if this bill passes, the next bill to target alcohol.

Ÿ State agencies have already shown severe misconduct when they hid a taxpayer-funded study on alcohol taxes from both lawmakers and the public, but shared the data with anti-alcohol advocates (Oregonian 2/23/24).  Another agency, OLCC, was investigated for showing preferential treatment on rare liquor distribution.

You can submit an online testimony here (hit testimony tab)

— Also, if the agency does start banning flavored adult products like vaping, it will contribute to the state losing nearly $200 million in tobacco/vaping tax revenue from the tobacco/vaping tax.  Customers will switch to illegal online sales that are more dangerous and do not pay the Oregon tax.

— Read Senate Bill 1198 summary.”The measure prohibits the distribution, sale, or allowance of sale, of an inhalant delivery system that is packaged inconsistent with rules adopted by the Oregon Health Authority that have the purpose of protecting minors from the negative health effects of inhalant delivery systems.”

— If you appreciate this alert then support our efforts: Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty).