The bill amends Section 28-11-13 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to impose stricter prohibitions on the possession of electronic nicotine delivery systems and related products by individuals under 21 years of age. Key insertions include the clarification that it is unlawful for anyone under 21 to purchase, use, possess, or transport not only tobacco and tobacco products but also electronic nicotine delivery systems, devices capable of delivering various substances through inhalation, and alternative nicotine products. Additionally, the bill specifies that a violation occurs upon mere possession of such devices, regardless of the contents, and it includes provisions for employees under 21 working in tobacco-related businesses under certain conditions.

The bill also updates the language regarding the age of individuals, replacing "the age of" with "of age" for clarity. It establishes that it is unlawful for individuals under 21 to present false identification for the purpose of obtaining tobacco products and mandates that agencies notify a parent or guardian if a minor is cited for violations, unless the minor is emancipated. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that it does not apply to devices used for delivering prescribed medication. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024, and is exempt from certain funding requirements due to its classification as defining a new crime.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 28-11-13, 28-11-13
Engrossed: 28-11-13, 28-11-13