How to Fight Arkansas Vape Bans: A Call to Action Against S.B.252 & H.B. 1626

Updated April 18, 2025

Arkansas has become the 12th state in the U.S. to enact a PMTA registry law, following the signing of Senate Bill 252 by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Monday.

Notably, it’s only the second state to include a ban on individual possession of certain vaping products.

As with similar laws, Arkansas’ PMTA registry was introduced and advanced with heavy backing from tobacco industry lobbyists representing companies like Altria and R.J. Reynolds. While the original bill was more restrictive, vape advocacy groups were able to push back successfully on some provisions—resulting in exemptions for select open-system products.

The vaping industry in Arkansas is under attack with the introduction of S.B.252 and H.B. 1626. While S.B.252 seeks to tighten regulations on vapor and e-liquid products, H.B. 1626 aims to ban flavored disposable vapes entirely. If passed, these laws could devastate vape businesses and limit adult consumers' access to alternative nicotine products. Now is the time for the vape community to push back before these bills become law. Here’s how we can fight them effectively. 

Mobilize Advocacy Groups & Industry Stakeholders 

Partner with organizations like the Arkansas Vape Advocacy Alliance and national groups such as CASAA (Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association) and VTA (Vapor Technology Association) to create a unified opposition. 

You can find your elected officials using VTA’s Action Center.  

• Rally vape shop owners, manufacturers, and consumers to collectively voice concerns and demand fair regulations. 
• Educate Lawmakers 
• Schedule meetings with Arkansas state legislators to present data on harm reduction, adult consumer rights, and economic impact. 
• Highlight how bans drive consumers to the black market, increasing risks associated with unregulated products. 
• Provide real-world examples from states where similar bans have led to unintended negative consequences. 

Public Awareness & Consumer Action 

• Petitions & Letter Campaigns: Launch online and in-store petitions to show opposition numbers. Encourage customers to send personalized letters to their representatives. 
• Social Media Advocacy: Use platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram to spread awareness. Encourage users to share stories of how flavored vaping helped them. 
• Host Community Meetings & Public Testimonies: Encourage vapers to attend hearings and share personal testimonies on how vaping has positively impacted their lives. 

Economic Impact Studies & Legal Challenges 

• Commission an economic study showcasing job losses, tax revenue declines, and small business closures that will result from these bills. 
• Explore legal options to challenge the ban if it passes, based on state commerce and regulatory overreach arguments. 
• Encourage Alternatives Instead of Bans 
• Propose strict age verification measures for retailers instead of outright banning flavors. 
• Support education over prohibition—pushing for public awareness campaigns on responsible adult vaping rather than restrictive laws. 

Next Steps 

Start contacting legislators now—phone calls and emails make an impact. 

Attend public hearings and organize vape shop owners to speak up. 

Spread the word through local media and vape advocacy groups. 

The vaping community must stand together to protect consumer choice and small businesses. The fight against S.B.252 and H.B. 1626 is just beginning, and with the right strategy, we can make a difference. 

To read the full text of S.B.252, visit the official Arkansas legislative website: S.B.252 Details.