Frankfort, KY — A bill designed to curb e-cigarette use, or “vaping,” in public schools passed the state Senate by a 33-3 vote. Senate Bill 218, dubbed the “vaping bill,” would establish an anonymous reporting system for students to report vaping, require that parents be notified if their child was caught vaping and direct students to free vaping cessation programs. Another provision would encourage school boards to provide awareness programs to teachers and students on the dangers of vaping. Sponsor Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, said the bill was a collaboration between him and a group of Johnson County Middle School students. Eight students from the school testified on behalf of SB 218 last month before the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. “I think it speaks volumes that these young people in eastern Kentucky really want to be involved in shaping what’s going on in their school,” Smith said. SB 218 now goes to the House for its consideration.

                                                        State Senator Brandon Smith