Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

Mallory Jones testifying on HB 11 in Frankfort

LOUISVILLE, KY – “It is an adult responsibility to protect kids from the harmful effects of nicotine and keep harmful vaping products out of the hands of me and my peers. I live in a smaller town, and I am aware of multiple different places where my peers can purchase these products even though they are below the age of 21. Addressing the source is critical to reducing youth access and initiation of nicotine products, but the rules are only as good as the enforcement we put behind them,” said Mallory Jones, KYA Health Youth Ambassador and junior at George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester, as part of her testimony to the House Health Services Committee today in Frankfort.

The availability of vaping products – backed by kid-targeted marketing strategies – has surged, infiltrating communities, and placing kids as young as middle schoolers at risk of nicotine addiction, failing grades, and amplified feelings of anxiety and depression. Yet Mallory said it best – rules are only as good as their enforcement. By enforcing the Tobacco-21 law at the point of sale, House Bill 11, sponsored by Representative Rebecca Raymer, can make a real difference by giving us a better understanding of who is selling these products and setting increasing penalties for retailers that sell products to individuals under age 21. This effort can only be strengthened by requiring regular compliance checks of those retailers.

We thank Representative Raymer for championing this legislation and prioritizing the needs of Kentucky’s kids and their future health and well-being. We applaud the House Health Services Committee members for their support of HB 11’s advancement today – and call on the full Kentucky House to ensure its speedy passage.

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.