Kentucky lawmakers pushing to regulate vape sales

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) – Kids continue to get their hands on harmful vaping and tobacco products.

On Wednesday, WKYT reports lawmakers, health leaders and young people spoke about the topic in an interim legislative panel in Frankfort.

A law was passed last year to address some youth vaping issues, but lawmakers were told on Wednesday that they don’t go far enough.

Philena Ash with the youth advisory board says, “Many of my very talented friends started vaping in middle school. I not only watched their increased use but their health and athletic performance decline.”

She says her friends may have lost chances at college scholarships.

Ash says, “It is disappointing to see young people, my friends, lose their future to nicotine dependence.”

Sen. Jimmy Higdon says he may file a bill to require licenses at retailers. He says House Bill 11 that dealt with youth vaping, doesn’t have consequences for offenders.

Higdon says, “That’s a good tool to have hanging over your head. If you continue to break the law, you will lose your license.”

The Denton group represents some vaping businesses and a representative said House Bill 11 is already hurting some of them.

She wants a delay in enforcement of the bill.

Abbie Gilbert with the Denton Group says, “To allow time to create regulations, which is based on science, and help businesses keep operating in the Commonwealth and adult smokers with alternatives.”

Sen. Christian McDaniel (R-Ryland Heights) says, “I would just encourage you to take back to your clients that we would not have a problem if they didn’t sell to underage kids.”

Higdon also says his bill could have consequences for students caught with vapes away from school campuses.