Do you vape or use tobacco?

Do you sell such products? You will be interested in what the SC House did last Wednesday. The lawmakers passed a bill 80-23 curbing local regulation of vaping and tobacco.

The bill’s supporters say it will standardize requirement across the state.

It may prove unpopular with local elected officials and their constituents.

We asked our local lawmakers by email how they voted and why.

We will let you know how they respond.

Public health officials have criticized the bill for ending local control.

Rep. Micah Caskey, R-Lexington, explained that if it becomes law, it will not allow town and county officials to:

• Require local licenses to sell tobacco products in their areas.

• Regulate cigarette, vape or electronic cigarette flavors and ingredients.

Supporters say this will make regulation uniform and easier on businesses.

In a committee meeting last week, lawmakers questioned taking away local authority to protect constituents’ health, The State newspaper reported.

The American Cancer Society Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, SC Cancer Alliance and SC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics argued in a letter to lawmakers that this will end local ability to protect children.

Teen smokers, they said, are at their highest levels in 20 years.

The 2019 SC Youth Tobacco Survey showed about 30% of high school students said they vape or use tobacco.