[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6566524,"mediaKeyId","3204864-34deb626636bb949084a8f8ecb6de69d","parentId",3204864,"title","Senate passes tighter limits on vaping sales after heated debate; amendments carve out regulated retail path","audioSeconds",573,"startMs",8198000,"endMs",8771000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3204864-34deb626636bb949084a8f8ecb6de69d&start=8198&end=8771","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3204864-34deb626636bb949084a8f8ecb6de69d/thumbnail_8198000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6566524/Alabama/Senate-passes-tighter-limits-on-vaping-sales-after-heated-debate-amendments-carve-out-regulated-retail-path","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566524-37026cfb8838981d31e0a9c57cfc9854/orig.mp4?Expires=1774897537&Signature=eKwsXuIkS6ZnEc6MSFFocnw-eKkagjLjQEuuW9KZXauOai-PJdRUgKRcM1Iq9cG2fGPIjM4o5n4RR1EWm27l205JO4lYxMvG8c0AhSyrRnCZPHuxijXVXUF45-4jURjqsGGepvjmG~IN2R4uX94a3iiEzYFYZb~qVJpzS5dqL-R0SKmib5atNtGCG0k-GhOWcm2US9iwSa01QFv5actBg8O8FRg~rMV-zGDwZ9FidgY7Tu~revYKG1C-XNtD1QNeFVyrZVqRjYvQ-OUd3gknvp1QTYL4qORRLPN3D8lwTdveDoU5DJ7dQyKxz5pN5nWNEv2NyM~Bm2ltbpbnod7CHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Alabama Senate Sessions","date","2025-05-07T10:53:42Z","article","The Alabama Senate passed House Bill 8 on a 28–5 vote Wednesday, tightening state restrictions on the sale of vaping and related hemp-derived products and expanding enforcement authority through the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

Lawmakers said the changes are intended to reduce youth access to unregulated vape products after a recent surge of school incidents and hospitalizations tied to vaping. The measure had been the subject of several floor amendments before final passage.

Senator Sessions moved final passage of House Bill 8, describing an “epidemic” of youth vaping and saying the bill targets products that have caused illnesses among students. He told colleagues the bill aims to keep dangerous, unregulated products off the market and to give ABC new tools and funding to enforce compliance. Senator Sessions also said the measure is intended to protect children while balancing the business interests of legitimate retailers.

An amendment by Senator Singleton won adoption in a close roll call and narrows a carve-out for certain retail sales: stores on a federal list of approved products may continue to sell approved products but must employ age verification scanners and meet the same licensing and enforcement requirements established in the bill. That amendment passed 18–16.

Senator Melson and others spoke in favor of stricter controls on flavored and illicit products, while Senator Smitherman and other senators urged caution about penalizing legitimate retailers. Representative Barbara Drummond, the House sponsor of the underlying measure, was recognized during floor remarks and credited for years of work on the issue.

The Senate recorded the final passage vote as 28 ayes and 5 nays. After passage in the Senate the bill will proceed as required to enrollment and any subsequent steps toward enactment.

The bill includes new enforcement provisions that, supporters said, will fund ABC inspections, allow sting operations and education programs for students and parents, and create penalties for retailers who sell to minors. Opponents warned the measure still could have economic consequences for some small retailers and urged continued monitoring and future technical fixes.

Lawmakers said the measure is not intended to criminalize adult use in legal contexts but to limit children’s access, tighten labeling and product verification, and remove clearly illicit products from mainstream retail channels. Senator Sessions and other sponsors said they expect ABC to produce implementing guidance and that the agency will need resources to carry out the new responsibilities.

Votes at a glance
House Bill 8 (Drummond) — Final passage (Senate): yes; 28 ayes, 5 nays. Amendment (Singleton) to allow FDA-listed products in licensed retail with scanner verification: adopted, 18 ayes, 16 nays.

Why it matters: Sponsors said the bill addresses a recent spike in vaping-related illnesses among students and creates enforcement tools and funding for the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to remove illicit products and reduce youth access.

What’s next: The bill will be sent to enrollment and any further steps toward the governor. ABC will be the implementing agency and will issue rules and guidance for licensees and enforcement.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Alabama Senate","oneSentenceSummary","The Alabama Senate passed House Bill 8 on a 28–5 vote Wednesday, tightening state restrictions on the sale of vaping and related hemp-derived products and expanding enforcement authority through the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.","taxTitle","Senate, Alabama Legislative Sessions, Alabama","taxId",62183,"location","Alabama","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6566514,"Senator raises concerns over Corps' dredge-disposal in Mobile Bay, urges permits for beneficial reuse",1517,9644000,11161000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3204864-34deb626636bb949084a8f8ecb6de69d&start=9644&end=11161","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3204864-34deb626636bb949084a8f8ecb6de69d/thumbnail_9644000.jpg","/articles/6566514/Alabama/Senator-raises-concerns-over-Corps-dredge-disposal-in-Mobile-Bay-urges-permits-for-beneficial-reuse","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566514-9d250c7dd4d70e32f69f23b205a77a65/orig.mp4?Expires=1774897537&Signature=Xatzq--X-gHju5T61DicdbGGjvgw0ii0bKABHbkPx4FoSauAf~~bx0ipJffJ1wdrHY8NGWcEM2WlvpctgbUe090iVBmU1A~STGzrGT6pYzpgwrv-Oqaf5MMifVaIYVzmR-2hErrgdVyEehn5HjGnpHbml0kze28LV3LLdB6WTz6XGJk2qBE6nzLTH2l15rAx4Y5ORq~EbvmEJQgD-SC1zT219mJ5QKNl5UP3AXIKFCN3Gh1P01~8aGtAxNnmWggb5QDiHu4QsvMWQQyiwnXWFPmDNjH8TsqTliIbgdAiLc9lF5bXVAEJjiCPmbyadvqB7Skq6fPDsovFQB43nDsvsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senator Elliott delivered an extended floor statement Wednesday urging federal and state partners to change how dredged material from the Mobile ship channel is disposed, saying current open-water disposal practices threaten water quality, submerged aquatic vegetation and shellfish resources.

Elliott told colleagues the disposal footage shown to him — and later shared widely on social media — shows slurry being discharged into open water off Point Clear. He said the method creates turbidity that can damage submerged aquatic vegetation and harm fisheries and shellfish beds important to local economies and tourism.

The senator called on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite permits for “beneficial use” projects that would permit upland placement, wetland restoration or construction of living shorelines using dredged material. He said the Corps’ slow permitting and a lack of approved beneficial-use projects are barriers that force continued open-water disposal.

Elliott said he will pursue federal engagement and additional funding to broaden beneficial-use options, and he urged the Corps to approve projects that would let communities reuse spoil material for coastal resilience and habitat restoration. He named local organizations and institutions he expects to work with on such efforts, including the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program and research partners at the University of South Alabama.

The speech did not include a formal motion or vote; it was delivered as a floor point of personal privilege and concluded with requests for federal action and coordination among state and local environmental and academic groups.

Why it matters: Mobile Bay and its shorelines support fisheries, oyster and shrimp industries and tourism; changes to dredge-disposal practices could affect water quality, commercial harvests, coastal resilience and local economies. Elliott said he will work with federal partners and local groups to seek permit and funding solutions.

What’s next: The senator said he plans to pursue meetings in Washington, D.C., and to press the Army Corps for more rapid permitting and funding for beneficial-use projects. He asked colleagues to support efforts to identify sites and to pursue permissions that allow upland disposal or restoration projects.","Senator Elliott used a floor statement to criticize current dredge-disposal practices in Mobile Bay, called for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to expedite permits for beneficial use projects and urged federal funding to support upland and habitat-restoration disposal.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6566519,"Senate adopts regulations on consumable hemp products after amendment fights; key amendments succeed and fail",832,11218000,12050000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3204864-34deb626636bb949084a8f8ecb6de69d&start=11218&end=12050","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3204864-34deb626636bb949084a8f8ecb6de69d/thumbnail_11218000.jpg","/articles/6566519/Alabama/Senate-adopts-regulations-on-consumable-hemp-products-after-amendment-fights-key-amendments-succeed-and-fail","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566519-c0387c66058f03745a6a7b72dd2fb673/orig.mp4?Expires=1774897537&Signature=gpxZnpZBssHZmhw~e95lI7muXtk57c468teyc5W0Ht85asp9hi3~G1J-uuSKAVcTgsXA-OUOl80ZGUOUTEa9xeVti5em-0Kira56DEpy1Miwaa-p4793MqLgCVNdT8hkUnzQzFG-RBVymJq2Q8mx4bFkrcTjY0HQMt~E3gCXnIdixsuHVF8Tx513qKSoOzR48ZZcFNg6qfWvoD4Ep6QUstp~xqe~~kPN1VrYI1QZlEvwTKJkx7AWyLDacMxW5y9iYU1Hldc-iy-0RKsC7fjhfcBQm3N-wKuQjgBsms3s6RBc7GIh1zMwfDo13m12RTvNXkH~RRNPbbEyBXmzfOYBZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alabama Senate passed House Bill 445 on Wednesday, approving a framework to regulate consumable hemp-derived products statewide, including restrictions on product forms, labeling, testing and criminal penalties for unlicensed sales.

Senator Melson, who offered the committee substitute on the floor, described the measure as a response to a regulatory gap created when federally authorized hemp products began appearing in consumer markets without consistent safety review. He said the legislation aims to protect public health—particularly children—by establishing container and serving-size limits, certifying product analyses, and tightening penalties for illegal sales.

During floor debate, Senator Smitherman offered an amendment to preserve smokeable hemp product sales in 21-and-over licensed retail, arguing the provision would save businesses that sell lawful, regulated smokeable products. That amendment failed on a long roll call, 7–26.

Senator Singleton successfully moved an amendment to reinstate certain retail availability in grocery stores for FDA-listed/approved products under verification protocols; that amendment passed by a narrow margin (17–15). Sponsors said other existing product forms would remain restricted or subject to licensing and strict labeling and testing requirements.

Senator Nelson moved for final passage; the Senate recorded final passage at 19 ayes and 13 nays. Supporters framed the measure as necessary to protect minors and to create consistent rules for legitimate operators; critics warned the bill still could create compliance costs for small businesses and called for careful enforcement to avoid unintended harm to legitimate retailers.

Key provisions discussed on the floor include: a 21-year minimum purchase age for covered products, requirements for a certificate of analysis and sealed original containers, limits on serving and container sizes, a registry and verification process for approved products, and enforcement authority and penalties for violations. Sponsors said the measure also creates a funding mechanism to allow ABC or other agencies to carry out inspections and compliance work; the transcript did not list dollar amounts.

Votes at a glance
House Bill 445 (Witt et al./substitute by Sen. Melson) — Final passage (Senate): yes; 19 ayes, 13 nays. Smitherman amendment to preserve smokeable hemp in 21+ stores: failed, 7 ayes, 26 nays. Singleton amendment to allow certain FDA-listed products in grocery retail with verification: adopted, 17 ayes, 15 nays.

Why it matters: Supporters said the bill fills regulatory gaps that left some hemp-derived consumables untested and easily accessible to minors. Implementation assigns rulemaking and enforcement duties to state regulators and is expected to require additional enforcement resources.","The Senate approved House Bill 445, which creates a regulatory structure for consumable hemp-derived products, including age limits, labeling and testing requirements. Floor amendments were closely contested; the final passage vote was 19–13.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate passes tighter limits on vaping sales after heated debate; amendments carve out regulated retail path

Senator raises concerns over Corps' dredge-disposal in Mobile Bay, urges permits for beneficial reuse

Senate adopts regulations on consumable hemp products after amendment fights; key amendments succeed and fail