Shelby Review

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently issued an emergency ban on the sale of flavored nicotine vaping products, but at least one state legislator isn’t happy with the process she took.

Rep. Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby) questioned the governor’s decision to issue the ban without discussing it with the legislature and public, stating in a press release her action was undemocratic.

Wozniak said the governor’s decision concerns him because the legislature has already worked with her on the recent ban on the sale and possession of e-cigarettes to minors.

Michigan state Rep. Doug Wozniak (R-Shelby) | Michigan House Republicans

“There’s no way of justifying the governor’s decision to bypass the legislature and the public this time around,” he said in a press release. “We all want to better protect our children from the health hazards of e-cigarettes. The governor can and should work with lawmakers on finding solutions to make our communities safer, and this nontransparent approach isn’t the democratic way to do it.”

Whitmer’s emergency declaration allowed her to bypass a public hearing under the legislature’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. State law allows its agencies to create regulations and policies through this rules process.

Once the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) approves the ban, it will become law and effective immediately. The emergency ban will be in effect for six months and businesses have 30 days to comply.

Whitmer’s emergency order made Michigan the first state to ban the sale of vaping products.