WEST ALABAMA, Ala. (WBRC) – New changes have taken effect with the state’s vape restrictions, and those new guidelines will directly impact your local school board. This all stems from State House Bill 8 with a particular aim towards protecting Alabama’s children.

Based on the reading of House Bill 8, it requires local school boards to come up with vape programs to create awareness and prevention.

“I think vaping clearly has negative impacts,” said Tuscaloosa City Public School Superintendent Dr. Mike Daria.

Daria left no doubt where he stood on the issue of vaping on Alabama’s young people.

“And many of those impacts we have yet to see as they age.”

All the more reason Daria and the school board say they will strengthen the school district’s awareness campaign on vaping. According to Daria, students throughout the system will see more direct, clearer communications against vaping, front and center for more than 11,000 students.

“You’ll see communications, but also the actual education of our students through programs, so they’ll get direct knowledge based on research,” said Daria.

Beyond central office, WBRC stopped by three businesses that advertised vape products. Employees at all three establishments said they were not in a position to talk about it because their bosses weren’t in.

Another part of House Bill 8 mandates that vape products sold in Alabama must be made in the U.S., and that flavored vape products can’t be sold to anyone younger than 21.

“You’ll see an enhanced presentation,” said Daria.

For city school children, that enhancement begins in this fall, just over two months away.

In terms of enforcement, the ABC Board in Montgomery says the new law adds responsibilities to the board, and that hiring additional personnel will be determined by how the situation unfolds, according to the ABC Board.

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