Chippewa Valley Times

The new bill authored by State Rep. Zimmerman seeks to clearly define electronic vaping devices and their components under state law, according to the Wisconsin State Assembly.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "the electronic vaping device directory and electronic nicotine devices. (FE)".

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends the statutes to specify the definition of "electronic vaping device," clarifying it as a device that delivers an aerosolized or vaporized liquid containing nicotine via a heating element. This includes devices like e-cigarettes, e-cigars, vape pens, and e-hookahs, as well as any components or accessories associated with them. The definition specifies that nicotine can come from any source and includes the liquid used in these devices whether sold independently or with the device. However, the definition excludes batteries or battery chargers when sold separately and also excludes items authorized for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

The bill was co-authored by Senator Patrick Testin (Republican-24th District) and Representative Jerry L. O'Connor (Republican-60th District).

Shannon Zimmerman has co-authored or authored another 15 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.

Zimmerman, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2017 to represent the state's 30th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Dean Knudson.

In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.

Bill Number	Date Introduced	Short Description
AB234	05/02/2025	The electronic vaping device directory and electronic nicotine devices. (FE)
AB209	04/23/2025	Creating a hazard mitigation revolving loan program, creating a Great Lakes erosion control revolving loan program, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
AB204	04/23/2025	Creating a video game production tax credit and making an appropriation. (FE)
AB199	04/15/2025	Reimbursement of emergency services under the Medical Assistance program when a patient is not transported, reporting on changes to the scope of practice of emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, and eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program. (FE)
AB172	04/09/2025	Consumer data protection and providing a penalty. (FE)