California Lawmakers Approve 12.5% Vape Tax for Consumers

California consumers would pay a new 12.5% excise tax on purchases of electronic cigarettes under a bill sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday.

The bill (S.B. 395) would bring tax on vaping products closer to parity with traditional tobacco products, according to author Sen. Anna Caballero (D). Current law imposes multiple taxes on tobacco distributors and consumers, but imposes a tax on vaping products only at the distributor level.

• The tax applies to the sales price of devices that deliver aerosolized or vaporized nicotine through devices including electronic cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookahs, vape pens.
• Increased revenue ...