Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY – More than a decade ago, vapes grew rapidly in popularity, especially among youth after companies like JUUL began marketing products with flashy colors and flavors appealing to kids. These practices resulted in a lawsuit and subsequent settlement with JUUL for their role in exposing kids to addictive nicotine products. Today, tobacco and nicotine use among youth continues to be a concern among parents, educators, and community members across the Commonwealth. 

Passage of Senate Bill 74 today by the Senate Health Services Committee marks intentional action by the Kentucky General Assembly to support efforts to curb youth nicotine dependence. Championed by Senator Craig Richardson, SB 74 will direct all future payments of the JUUL settlement to tobacco prevention and cessation programming – a big win for Kentucky kids. 

We thank Senator Richardson and his fellow committee members for their unanimous support of SB 74 and we hope to see the same momentum on the Senate floor. We’re also giving three cheers to the high school students, Delanie from Boyle County and Ksenia from Kenton County, for sharing their passion on ending youth nicotine dependence and raising their voices today before the Committee.

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.

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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.