Chinese Vape Product Ban Challenge Survives Texas Dismissal Bid

A challenge to a Texas law banning the sale of e-cigarettes containing ingredients manufactured in China can proceed after a judge said he wouldn’t dismiss the final state defendant Thursday.

Kelly Hancock, the state’s acting comptroller of public accounts, is a proper defendant as the enforcer of the ban, US District Judge Keith Ellison ruled from the bench.

The decision keeps alive a fight from vape shops and an industry trade association, with Ellison granting them permission to amend their lawsuit with additional plaintiffs and claims.

Ellison, of the Southern District of Texas, gave no explanation for his decision during ...