Alabama House Democrats push bill to regulate vaping

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December 5, 2024

The Alabama House Democratic Caucus is hoping that a bill to regulate vaping in the state will pass during next year’s session.

State Rep. Barbra Drummond (D-Mobile) is proposing HB8, a bill to regulate non-nicotine vapes and educate young people about the dangers of vaping.

Alabama House Democrats push for support of the bill on their social media Wednesday.

Support Rep. Drummond's HB8 to regulate non-nicotine vapes and educate our youth about the dangers of vaping. #YourFreedomYourFuture #ForwardForFreedom #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/fCXxVz70tt

— AL House Democrats (@ALHouseDems) December 4, 2024

There is expected to be some pushback on the bill as retailers will face new compliance costs due to permit fees and potential penalties and manufacturers will incur costs to meet certification requirements and label restrictions.

Under HB8, businesses selling vaping products would need to obtain a state permit for each location, with a $50 one-time application fee and an annual $150 renewal fee. These fees will support enforcement and educational initiatives.

The bill would also ban the sale of vaping products through vending machines unless they are in areas restricted to individuals 21 and older or controlled by an employee. It also prohibits self-service displays of vaping products except in specialty stores inaccessible to minors.

Manufacturers of e-liquids and vaping devices must certify compliance with federal regulations, including providing product information and proof of FDA review. Non-compliant products would be deemed contraband and subject to seizure.

Retailers would be required to display signage warning of nicotine addiction and health risks. Advertising restrictions would limit the use of flavors appealing to minors, such as candy or fruit, and prohibit marketing near schools or in media accessible to younger audiences.

The legislation also includes an educational component, directing the State Board of Education to create a vaping awareness program for K-12 schools. Local school boards must adopt policies to enforce the ban on student vaping and provide consequences, including mandatory education for violators.

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee

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