Senator Wants Harsher Vape Laws in Kentucky
Exterior of Kentucky State Capitol Building on a Summer afternoon. Frankfort, Kentucky, USA (Credit: EJ Rodriquez)
Lawmakers, health leaders, and even young people talked in an interim legislative panel yesterday in Frankfort, Kentucky and discussed the dangers of youth use of vaping products.
A law was passed last year to address some youth vaping issues, but lawmakers were told that the new rules don’t go far enough.
Senator Jimmy Higdon says he may file a bill to require retailer licenses. He says that House Bill 11, which dealt with youth vaping, doesn’t have consequences for offenders, according to media reports.
“That’s a good tool to have hanging over your head. If you continue to break the law, you will lose your license,” said Sen. Higdon, R-Ligdon.
The Denton Group represents some vaping businesses, and a representative said that House Bill 11 is already hurting some. She wants a delay in enforcement of the bill.
“To allow time to create regulations which is based on science and help businesses keep operating in the commonwealth and adult smokers with alternatives,” said Abbie Gilbert with the Denton Group.
Senator Higdon also says his bill could have consequences for students caught with vapes away from school campuses.
The proposed bill could be discussed in the legislative session set to begin January 7.
