Michigan counties may soon be able to tighten enforcement of what tobacco products can be sold there.

Senate bills in the Regulatory Affairs Committee would require tougher rules for tobacco sellers, Bridge Michigan says.

All sales of flavored tobacco products would be banned, tobacco retailers would be required to be licensed and e-cigarettes and vapes containing nicotine would be taxed under the legislation.

And, the bills would repeal ineffective penalties that punish youth for possessing tobacco products.

With Michigan having a youth e-cigarette usage rate of about 50% higher than the national average, counties could place restrictions on flavored vapes if they recognize they have a specific situation where residents want to take a stronger stance than the state has.

As of May 2021, 83 cases of severe lung disease have been linked to vaping along with three deaths in Michigan.