Vermont Attorney General's Office targets illegal online tobacco sales including Amazon
May 09, 2025 | Commerce & Economic Development, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
In a recent meeting of the Vermont House Commerce Committee, significant discussions centered on the ongoing efforts to combat the illegal sale of tobacco and nicotine products, particularly electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) such as vapes. The committee emphasized the importance of consumer protection and public health, especially concerning youth exposure to these addictive products.
Rose Kennedy from the Attorney General's Office highlighted the state's commitment to enforcing laws that curb the influx of vapes and other nicotine products into Vermont. She noted that compliance with the Multi-State Agreement (MSA) remains a priority, with Vermont receiving approximately $23 million this year alone from the settlement. This funding is crucial for monitoring tobacco sales and ensuring adherence to both state and federal regulations.
Kennedy expressed concern over the rising popularity of vaping among high school students, citing that 16% reported using e-cigarettes within the past month, with 37% of those using them daily. She attributed this trend to the appealing flavors marketed towards youth, which downplay the addictive nature of these products. The committee's discussions underscored the need for continued vigilance in enforcing existing laws, particularly Vermont's delivery sales ban, which prohibits the online sale of tobacco products.
The Attorney General's Office has been proactive in addressing illegal online sales, having initiated investigations into 34 sellers since 2020, resulting in over $1.3 million in civil penalties. A notable case involved a settlement with Amazon, where the company agreed to pay $400,000 for violations of the delivery sales ban and to provide a list of sellers circumventing their tobacco controls.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration among various state departments to enhance regulatory enforcement and protect public health. As Vermont continues to navigate the challenges posed by the evolving tobacco market, the committee's focus on consumer protection and youth safety remains paramount.
Rose Kennedy from the Attorney General's Office highlighted the state's commitment to enforcing laws that curb the influx of vapes and other nicotine products into Vermont. She noted that compliance with the Multi-State Agreement (MSA) remains a priority, with Vermont receiving approximately $23 million this year alone from the settlement. This funding is crucial for monitoring tobacco sales and ensuring adherence to both state and federal regulations.
Kennedy expressed concern over the rising popularity of vaping among high school students, citing that 16% reported using e-cigarettes within the past month, with 37% of those using them daily. She attributed this trend to the appealing flavors marketed towards youth, which downplay the addictive nature of these products. The committee's discussions underscored the need for continued vigilance in enforcing existing laws, particularly Vermont's delivery sales ban, which prohibits the online sale of tobacco products.
The Attorney General's Office has been proactive in addressing illegal online sales, having initiated investigations into 34 sellers since 2020, resulting in over $1.3 million in civil penalties. A notable case involved a settlement with Amazon, where the company agreed to pay $400,000 for violations of the delivery sales ban and to provide a list of sellers circumventing their tobacco controls.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration among various state departments to enhance regulatory enforcement and protect public health. As Vermont continues to navigate the challenges posed by the evolving tobacco market, the committee's focus on consumer protection and youth safety remains paramount.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meeting