ATLANTA – State Representative Houston Gaines (R-Athens) was named by Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to serve as the chairman of the House Study Committee on Safety and Consumer Protection of Nicotine Vapor Products. In the most recent legislative session, Rep. Gaines authored House Bill 1260 to establish the Georgia Nicotine Vapor Products Directory. HB 1260 passed the House 163-4 but did not receive a vote in the Senate.
“Earlier this year, the House passed meaningful legislation to reign in the illegal and unregulated Chinese manufactured market of disposable vapor products that target young people across our state,” said Rep. Gaines. “In talking with parents, teachers, law enforcement and those working to address this challenge on the front lines, it’s become clear we have reached a tipping point of disposable vape products negatively impacting young Georgians. While we’ll continue to ensure access to legal smoking cessation and vape products, the Safety and Consumer Protection of Nicotine Vapor Products study committee will determine what steps are needed to crack down on illegal products harming our communities every day.”
Established by House Resolution 1283, the House Study Committee the Safety and Consumer Protection of Nicotine Vapor Products will investigate all issues related to electronic cigarettes, e-liquids and other nicotine vapor products. The committee aims to develop potential legislation to prevent consumer harm and safeguard the health and safety of individuals who use these products.
Speaker Burns also appointed the following study committee members: State Representatives Mesha Mainor (R-Atlanta), Gary Richardson (R-Evans), Carolyn Hugely (D-Columbus), Dale Washburn (R-Macon) and Alan Powell (R-Hartwell), ex-officio.
Representative Houston Gaines represents the citizens of District 120, which includes portions of Barrow, Clarke, Jackson and Oconee counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the House Majority Caucus and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education. He also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Ethics, Governmental Affairs, Insurance, Public Health, Urban Affairs and Ways & Means committees.
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