FBI Examining Creation of Indiana’s Vaping Law

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Two Indiana lawmakers and an e-cigarette liquid producer say they have been questioned by the FBI about the creation of the state’s vaping law.

Republican Rep. Phil Boot of Crawfordsville told the Indianapolis Star for a report Monday that FBI agents interviewed him last month and asked if someone benefited financially from the legislation.

The law has given seven producers control of the Indiana market, shutting out dozens of other manufacturers. It also requires that one security firm certify the producers.

E-liquid producer Evan McMahon told the Star the agents he spoke to “were looking at antitrust and corruption.” McMahon gave the same account to the Indianapolis Business Journal.

Sen. Vaneta Becker also said she was interviewed.

When contacted by The Associated Press, FBI spokeswoman Wendy Osborne would not confirm there is an investigation.