Nicotine alternative regulations updated

A measure that updates regulation of alternative nicotine products was given final approval April 25.

Sponsored by Seward Sen. Jana Hughes, LB9 amends the definition of alternative nicotine products to include nicotine analogues, or synthetic products that mimic the effects of nicotine.

LB9 also updates provisions and procedures related to enforcement of the Tobacco Products Tax Act. Among other provisions, the bill clarifies that the state Department of Revenue is able to confiscate products that are not registered with the department under an existing vaping registry law.

The bill also includes provisions of Hughes’ LB125, which levies a 20% wholesale tax on alternative nicotine products beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Currently, such products are subject only to the state’s 5.5-cent sales tax and any local sales taxes.

Lawmakers voted 34-10 to pass LB9.