The Oregon Senate Committee on Rules convened on April 21, 2025, to discuss proposed regulations affecting the marketing and packaging of vaping products. The meeting highlighted concerns from industry representatives regarding the potential negative impacts of vague language in the proposed legislation.

Jason Weber, a business owner, expressed worries that the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) could impose overly restrictive guidelines on product labeling and marketing. He pointed out that terms like "strawberry kiwi" could be deemed appealing to children, leading to bans on certain product names. Weber emphasized that existing regulations already prohibit cartoon imagery and child-friendly names, and he questioned the necessity of further restrictions that could harm sales and increase operational costs for businesses.

The discussion also touched on the effectiveness of current measures to prevent underage sales. Weber noted a significant decrease in violations, as reported by the Department of Revenue, indicating that existing compliance efforts are working. He shared that his company incentivizes passing inspections with cash rewards, underscoring a commitment to responsible sales practices.

The committee members expressed interest in understanding the current packaging of vaping products. They encouraged industry representatives to submit examples of their product designs to better assess the implications of the proposed regulations. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further dialogue on the amendments to the bill, as well as a focus on ensuring that any changes do not inadvertently harm responsible businesses.

Overall, the discussions underscored the balance between protecting public health, particularly youth, and supporting the vaping industry in Oregon. The committee plans to continue reviewing the proposed legislation and its potential effects on both consumers and businesses.