Kentucky must enforce implementation of anti-vaping law by Jan. 1 deadline | Opinion
As a high school student from Taylor County High School, I’ve seen firsthand how vaping and nicotine addiction has taken over schools and communities. What used to be something only a few students did has now become part of daily life for many teens. You can find kids vaping in bathrooms, at football games, even during class when teachers aren’t looking. It’s become normal, and that’s not okay. That’s why I joined other young people across Kentucky to help push for Senate Bill 100, a law that requires retailers to have a license to sell tobacco and vape products.
When the bill passed with support from the legislature, it felt like our hard work finally paid off. We were proud to see Kentucky take a real step toward protecting us from nicotine addiction. Other states even started noticing our campaign efforts as an example to follow our lead. For once, it felt like our voices were actually being heard. SB 100 showed that Kentucky was ready to lead by example in protecting young people’s health.
Implementation of this law cannot come fast enough. Every day this law is not enforced, more kids are getting addicted to nicotine. I know classmates who can’t make it through a single class period without hitting a vape. I’ve seen how hard it is for teens to quit once they start. It’s hard to watch friends struggle with something designed to keep them hooked. Making access to vapes harder will discourage kids from starting and help others to stop.
SB 100 is set to hold retailers accountable starting Jan. 1, 2026. I urge you to implement these rules by the Jan. 1 date. The longer we delay, the more lives are affected, and the harder it becomes to undo the damage already done.
Kentucky Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control must follow the law and require all retailers in the Commonwealth to be licensed by Jan. 1, 2026.
This isn’t just about politics. It’s about protecting real kids, real families, and real futures. Kentucky did the right thing by passing SB 100, now it’s time to finish the job.
Zachary Lee Crouch is a junior at Taylor County High School.