Tennessee Senate Bill SB1402

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 37; Title 39 and Title 49, relative to tobacco, smoking hemp, and vapor products.

Impact

If enacted, SB1402 will introduce a significant change in how vapor products are regulated in the vicinity of educational institutions. It directly targets minors, reinforcing existing laws aimed at curbing underage smoking and vaping. By establishing a clear legal framework that prohibits minors from being able to consume or possess vapor products on school property, this bill aims to reduce the incidence of underage usage and promote healthier environments within schools. This targeted approach may contribute to broader public health efforts to lower smoking rates among youths.

Summary

Senate Bill 1402 is an amendment to the Tennessee Code that addresses the consumption and possession of vapor products by individuals under the age of twenty-one on public school grounds for grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12). This legislation is aimed at protecting minors from the risks associated with nicotine and vaping, acknowledging the growing concern regarding youth access to such products. Notably, a violation of this law will be classified as a Class C misdemeanor, which emphasizes the seriousness of the legality surrounding the possession and consumption of these products in school areas.

Contention

The introduction of SB1402 is not without contention. While many lawmakers and health advocates support the bill as a necessary measure to protect youth, there could also be concerns regarding the implications for personal freedom and parental rights in deciding what products their children can access. Some may argue that the law could be perceived as an overreach into family matters. Furthermore, there is a discussion about how effectively this legislation can be enforced and whether it addresses the primary sources of underage access to vapor products, which often occur outside of school settings.