Arkansas Senate Bill SB472

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/25
• Refer: 3/17/25
• Refer: 3/18/25
• Failed: 5/5/25

Caption

To Create The Violation Of Purchase Or Possession Of An E-liquid Product Or Vapor Product By A Minor.

Impact

If enacted, SB472 will introduce penalties that include fines and community service for minors found in possession of e-liquids or vapor products. Specifically, a violation could result in a fine not exceeding $100 or up to twenty hours of community service. This legislation is designed to discourage minors from using nicotine products and aims to reduce their accessibility to these potentially harmful items. Officers who seize such products from minors are also mandated to destroy or dispose of the items as contraband to prevent further usage.

Summary

Senate Bill 472 aims to establish legal repercussions for the purchase or possession of e-liquid and vapor products by individuals classified as minors, defined as those under the age of twenty-one. Under this proposed bill, it will become unlawful for minors to engage in these activities, with specific definitions provided for what constitutes an e-liquid product and a vapor product. The bill seeks to address public health concerns surrounding the rising usage of vaping products among younger populations, which has grown significantly in recent years.

Contention

While proponents of SB472 argue that the bill is a necessary step toward ensuring the health and safety of minors by mitigating the risks associated with nicotine addiction, critics may raise concerns about the effectiveness of punitive measures and whether they truly address the underlying issues of youth vaping. Additionally, there might be discussions regarding the implications for personal freedoms and whether such regulations overstep parental and individual rights. As such, the bill could spark debates on balancing public health interests with personal liberties in the realm of vape and tobacco regulation.