Bill would overhaul vape tax in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana lawmakers are advancing legislation that would significantly change how vapor products are taxed in the state, potentially raising prices for users and revenue for public services.

House Bill 517, sponsored by Rep. Ken Brass (D-Vacherie), proposes shifting the state’s excise tax on vape products from a flat rate to a percentage of the invoice price. Currently, Louisiana levies a tax of 15 cents per milliliter of nicotine liquid. If passed, the new rate would be 33% of the invoice price of these products.

Brass told the House Ways and Means Committee that the measure is not only a way to raise funds for state programs, including public safety, but also a means of curbing youth vaping.

The bill narrowly passed the committee in a 9-6 vote on Tuesday. Lawmakers who opposed the bill questioned whether raising prices would deter underage use, especially when many teens access these products illegally. Some called for more investment in enforcement and education efforts. Brass said he would continue working with colleagues to strengthen those elements as the bill moves forward.

If approved by the full legislature, the new tax structure would take effect on July 1, 2025. Retailers and wholesalers would be required to file an inventory of all vape and e-cigarette products they have on hand before that date. The deadline for submitting the inventory to the Department of Revenue would be Aug. 1, 2025.

According to the bill, previously taxed or stamped inventory would be exempt from the higher rate, but all new purchases after July 1 would be subject to the 33% tax.

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