(WDNews) – After three years of efforts, Alabama Rep. Barbara Drummond’s push to regulate vaping products has reached a key moment. Lawmakers passed HB8, a bill that could regulate e-cigarettes and vaping devices in Alabama for the first time.
Drummond, D-Mobile, said the bill could improve public health. “This is a game-changer for Alabama,” she said, believing it will help save children’s lives. Alabama’s vaping rate among high school students is more than double the national average.
However, the bill still faces challenges. It’s now on Gov. Kay Ivey’s desk, but convenience store owners are voicing concerns.
Industry Concerns
Sen. Bobby Singleton’s amendment to the bill limits flavored e-cigarette sales in convenience stores to only tobacco and menthol products approved by the FDA. Other flavors would only be sold in age-restricted vape shops. J. Bart Fletcher, president of the Petroleum & Convenience Marketers of Alabama, warned that this could hurt small businesses.
Governor’s Decision
Singleton has urged Gov. Ivey to revise the bill to allow more products in convenience stores, but Sen. David Sessions, who sponsored the bill, disagrees. “If the governor is serious about protecting Alabama family values, she should sign the bill as is,” Sessions said.
Gov. Ivey’s office stated that the bill is under review.
Youth Prevention and Education
HB8 includes measures to reduce youth access to vaping, including banning vape sales in vending machines and requiring vaping education in schools. Virginia Guy, executive director of the Drug Education Council in Mobile, praised these efforts.
Tobacco Industry Influence
Critics, including Jim McCarthy of the American Vapor Manufacturers Association, argue the bill favors Big Tobacco. Despite this, Drummond remains committed to the bill, motivated by a personal experience with vaping among youth.
With the bill now on Ivey’s desk, Alabama awaits a decision on its vaping regulations.
