Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org
Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates
LOUISVILLE, KY – What’s clear is that Kentucky’s kids are facing a vaping epidemic, orchestrated by “big vape” companies through marketing and sweet flavors. What’s also clear is that kids are getting their hands on vapes through local retailers despite state and federal tobacco-21 laws prohibiting selling to those underage. What is unclear is why the Kentucky General Assembly continues to move the focus away from enforcing underage sales law and taking meaningful steps to reduce youth initiation of these addictive nicotine products.
Today’s passage of House Bill 11 by the Senate Judiciary Committee included adoption of a committee substitute that reduced the fines originally proposed for selling products to youth and narrowed the retailers required to be listed on a database of those selling tobacco and vapor products for the purposes of enforcement.
With our Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children partners, we had hoped to celebrate HB 11 as a win for kids this legislative session, but at this point, it looks as if adult special interests are winning the day.
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.
[…] a vaping epidemic, orchestrated by ‘big vape’ companies through marketing and sweet flavors,” Brooks said. “What’s also clear is that kids are getting their hands on vapes through local retailers […]
[…] if adult special interests are winning the day,” KYA Executive Director Terry Brooks said in a press release. “What’s clear is that Kentucky’s kids are facing a vaping epidemic, orchestrated by ‘big […]