MONTGOMERY – On May 6, state Rep. Barbara Drummond’s (D-Mobile) House Bill 8, to regulate the retail sale of nicotine vaping products through the state ABC Board, passed both chambers and now awaits Gov. Kay Ivey’s signature for enactment.

The bill was amended in the Senate to prohibit the sale of vaping products in convenience stores unless the specific products have been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration. The amended version provides that vaping products that have not met those criteria may be sold in establishments that only allow entry to adult consumers over the age of 21.

The bill also creates an application fee for vendors and an annual permit fee. Stores that do not comply will face fines. Once enacted, the new law will also provide funding for education programs to teach children about the harmful effects of vaping on their health.

Drummond first introduced the legislation three years ago and has worked to build bipartisan support.

“It’s taken a tremendous amount of effort to finally get this important bill to the governor’s desk. But it’s definitely been worth it because I firmly believe this legislation will save children’s lives," Drummond said after the bill’s passage. "I’ve heard too many stories of children, as young as 8 or 9 years old, that have either had serious health issues or have even died due to vaping. This will not only help keep these dangerous products out of their hands, but it will also educate them about the serious harm that can be caused by vaping and similar e-products.”