Alaska House debates youth vaping penalties amid justice concerns

Alaska House members clashed Monday night over a $100 civil fine for minors caught with vaping products. Opponents cited research showing youth processed through justice systems face worse outcomes.

The debate centered on Amendment 2 to a bill that would raise the legal age to buy, sell, use and possess cigarettes, nicotine products and e-cigarettes to 21. The amendment sought to remove the $100 fine for minors found in possession.

One representative said youth formally processed through the justice system, even for minor offenses, are more likely to be re-arrested and incarcerated. They are less likely to stay enrolled in school than those who are diverted. The representative added that the provision would open the door to minorities being approached more frequently in urban areas.

Another member said any interaction with law enforcement that is not requested is not a positive interaction. The representative compared the experience to being pulled over for a speeding ticket. The feeling in one's chest comes even when uncertain why the stop occurred.

Supporters of keeping the fine argued there is no criminal contact or criminal conduct in the bill. One representative said the fine requires no court appearance and can be paid online. The bill had been worked on for 10 years. The $100 penalty was reduced from an earlier version. The representative said the bill focuses on distribution at retail locations. The representative urged colleagues to leave the bill as written if they want more lenient treatment of youth.

Another supporter said addiction starts early. Deferring it reduces the chance of lifelong health problems from tobacco addiction. The longer people are delayed from using such products, the better their future health outcomes.

One member argued that raising the purchase age would drive more young people to purchase vaping products online with no age verification. Teenagers no longer smoke but vape because vapes are easy to get.

The bill sponsor said the legislation is an effort to push back on a multi-billion dollar industry trying to addict young people to these substances. The bill is complementary to a federal program that will provide the state with millions of dollars to publicize the dangers of addiction.

The House debated the amendment during a floor session that began at 9 p.m. Monday.