The Senate Education Committee has approved legislation that would ban tobacco products on public school property in Kentucky and at school-sponsored activities.
The measure's chief sponsor is Republican Sen. Ralph Alvarado, who is a medical doctor. The bill — aimed at reducing Kentucky's youth smoking rates — sailed through committee on Thursday.
Alvarado says that cutting youth smoking would save lives, make students healthier and reduce costs to treat smoking-related illnesses.
The bill would prohibit use of tobacco products by students, school employees and visitors in schools and school vehicles and at school-sponsored activities.
Alvarado says school boards would be expected to act within a year with policies to prohibit tobacco products in buildings and on campuses.
The ban also would apply to e-cigarette products.
