Alabama House Passes Bill to Ban Vaping in Public Indoor Spaces
The Alabama House of Representatives has passed Senate Bill 9, officially moving to ban vaping in public places under the state’s existing smoking laws. This development occurs amidst growing concerns over secondhand aerosol exposure in crowded venues, directly resulting in a legislative push to treat electronic nicotine delivery systems exactly like combustible cigarettes in enclosed spaces.
Expanding the Clean Indoor Air Act
Originally passed in 2003, the Alabama Clean Indoor Air Act currently prohibits smoking in most enclosed public areas. SB9, sponsored by Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Cottondale), updates the legal definition of “smoking” to explicitly include the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems.
Once enacted, vaping will be outlawed in locations such as:
- Retail stores and shopping malls
- Restaurants and food service establishments
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Government buildings, banks, and elevators
Anyone caught violating the updated law will be subject to a $25 fine.
Origins and Renaming the Act
Sen. Allen noted that his inspiration for the bill came after experiencing secondhand vape aerosol at high school and college football games. A similar attempt to pass the bill failed last year.
To honor the lawmakers who championed the original and updated legislation, the House approved an amendment to rename the law. It will now be known as the “Vivian Davis Figures and Barbara Drummond Clean Indoor Air Act.” The bill now heads back to the Senate for final concurrence.
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