Ohio Legislature Overrides Governor's Veto, Takes Control of Tobacco Regulation
New law prevents local communities from imposing restrictions on tobacco and vaping products, sparking criticism from anti-tobacco advocates and fears of increased child addiction.
- Local governments in Ohio can no longer regulate tobacco in their communities after the Republican Legislature overrode GOP Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto of a budget measure.
- The new law will take effect in roughly 90 days and prevents communities from voting to restrict things like flavored e-cigarettes and sales of flavored vaping products.
- Opponents of the measure say it violates Ohio’s home rule provision, which allows local governments to create their own ordinances as long as they do not interfere with the state’s revised code.
- Proponents of the measure argue it maintains uniformity for tobacco laws and eliminates confusion for Ohioans.
- Gov. DeWine and anti-tobacco advocates criticize the override as a win for the tobacco industry, saying it enables addiction in children as tobacco and vaping products made with fruit or candy flavors becomes more popular and accessible to kids.
Fox News 
Associated Press 
Cleveland Plain Dealer 
