Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates

LOUISVILLE, KY – Alongside the Kentucky youth speaking up to end the vaping crisis among their peers, we are applauding as the House Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations Committee passes Senator Jimmy Higdon’s Senate Bill 100. We especially appreciate the committee members for retaining the original licensing provisions within the committee substitute adopted today.

SB 100 would enforce the federal and state Tobacco-21 law in a way that would hold “bad actor” retailers accountable for underage tobacco, nicotine, and vapor product sales. By establishing a division within ABC to license retailers, conduct annual compliance checks, and outline penalties for those selling to kids, this legislation would give Kentucky the chance to make a real difference in outcomes for kids.

Mallory Jones, a high school student from Winchester, said it best: “It’s not by accident that there’s a youth vaping crisis in Kentucky.” This is because of the intentional marketing tactics used by tobacco and vape companies to target kids.

We thank our members of the General Assembly for standing up for their youngest constituents today – and Senator Higdon for his leadership on SB 100 this session. We’re now calling on the full House to pass SB 100 and the Senate to concur so this bill can reach the Governor’s desk in these final days of session.

Stay up-to-date on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities and other bills that are good for kids on our Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker.

###

About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at www.kyyouth.org.