According to a report from the Washington Examiner on April 8th, the Alabama state legislature is considering a bill targeting underage smoking.
The bill received unanimous support in the state House, but is facing difficulties in the Senate. The American Lung Association (ALA) and American Heart Association (AHA) in the state have expressed skepticism that the bill will effectively deter underage smoking, claiming it is merely a victory for "big tobacco companies".
Democratic Senator Vivian Figures of Alabama expressed that she has no fear of organizations like the American Heart Association and the American Lung Association. Last year, Senator Figures introduced a similar bill that was not implemented. Now, with the support of Democratic Representative Barbara Drummond, who has introduced the HB 65 bill, which proposes increasing fines for underage smoking and creating annual licenses for e-cigarette distributors in Alabama.
They hope that this bill will be passed by the Senate so that it can be sent to Governor Kay Ivey before the legislative session ends in 9 days.
Jada Shaffer, Senior Government Relations Manager for the American Heart Association in the state, opposes the legislation because Alabama lawmakers should hold "big tobacco companies" accountable instead of punishing our young people.
Unfortunately, Alabama continues to cater to the interests of large tobacco companies, with legislation that benefits these companies but harms children. While pretending to address the issue of youth vaping, HB 65 allows large tobacco companies to monopolize the sale of e-cigarettes through unnecessary nicotine delivery system certification and listings, while punishing further harms the state's youth.
The bill will increase penalties for young people aged 18 to 21 who possess e-cigarettes. The first offense will result in a written warning, the second offense will result in 8 hours of community service, and the third offense will result in a $100 fine. If someone under the age of 18 is found in possession of an e-cigarette, their parents or legal guardian will be notified.
The state will also implement a licensing system for e-cigarette retailers, with an annual fee of $150. However, the American Lung Association (ALA) states that the bill actually repeals the state law that restricts these shops from being close to K-12 schools.
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