Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, shares his plans to file legislation to increase regulations on tobacco retailers. (LRC photo)
A Kentucky Republican will file legislation in 2025 that would license all sellers of vape or tobacco products, giving the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) enforcement authority over those vendors and empowering officers to enter the businesses without warrants.
Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, said state laws limiting the sale of vaping products to buyers 21 or older have “no teeth, no real consequences” for retailers who violate them by selling to underage customers. He presented his legislation idea Tuesday to the Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations.
His 2025 proposal, which is being drafted, would also recommend money from fines go toward programs “to help youth and their peers learn about the dangers of vaping,” he said.
Tobacco control comes up short in state budget, while anti-vaping law could increase smoking