Legislators try again to tax e-cigarettes

Legislators are trying again this year to tax "electronic smoking products"- e-cigarettes and vaping devices - the same as tobacco products.

Bills to extend the state's tobacco tax to electronic smoking products died last March as lawmakers rushed to close down the session amid the start of the pandemic. Kodiak Sen. Gary Stevens and Juneau Rep. Sara Hannan are trying again this year.

Their bills have each cleared their first committee and are both waiting for a hearing in their respective Finance Committee before either could move to the full body for a vote.

Currently, the state does not tax...