The Alabama House of Representatives has passed a bill to enhance enforcement of the state’s ban on selling vape products to individuals under 21. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, received strong bipartisan support with a vote of 89-9.
Key Provisions of the Bill
- Creates fees for distributors, expected to generate $2.5 million for enforcement efforts
- Establishes the Tobacco Licensing and Compliance Fund in the State Treasury
- Introduces new penalties for distributors violating the law, including fines up to $1,000 and potential permit suspension or revocation
- Implements minor penalties for underage possession of vape products
- Requires the State Board of Education to develop a vaping awareness and prevention program
Addressing Enforcement Challenges
Rep. Drummond cited lack of funding for enforcement as a major issue with the current law, allowing unsafe products to reach the market. “Vaping is horrible when it comes to our children,” Drummond stated. “We don’t know what’s in those products.”
Next Steps and Outlook
The bill now moves to the Senate, where previous versions have stalled. However, Drummond expresses optimism this year, with Senate President Pro-Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, set to handle the bill in the upper chamber.
“It’s a good bill for the health and welfare of our children,” Drummond concluded, emphasizing the legislation’s potential impact on youth safety.
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