KLC 2020 Legislative Update

7) PUBLIC HEALTH
Senate Bill 56 SALE OF TOBACCO, ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE & VAPOR PRODUCTS
Sponsor: Senator Ralph Alvarado (R-Winchester)
SB 56 amends KRS 438.310 and 438.311 to raise the minimum age for the purchase of
tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products to 21 and require sellers to request proof of age prior to
sale if the seller has reason to believe a buyer is under the age of 21. A person under age 21 who purchases,
accepts receipt of, or attempts to purchase tobacco, alternative nicotine, or vapor products is subject to
confiscation of the products by law enforcement or employees of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage
Control, but no citation may be issued. No other penalty shall apply to a person under age 21. All status
offense designations for the sale, purchase, attempted purchase, or receipt of tobacco, alternative
nicotine, and vapor products by persons under the age of 21 are removed.
KRS 413.313 is amended to prohibit the wholesale, retail, or manufacturer distribution of tobacco
products, alternative nicotine, or vapor products, including samples, to persons under the age of 21.
KRS 600.020 is amended to remove tobacco-related offenses from the definition of “status
offense action.” KRS 610.010 is amended to remove tobacco-related offenses from the jurisdiction of the
juvenile section of the District Court.
An emergency is declared. SB 56 became law on March 26, 2020, when signed by the governor.
Senate Bill 150
COVID-19 RELIEF
Sponsor: Senator Ralph Alvarado (R-Winchester)
SB 150 is a temporary measure enacted by the General Assembly to assist Kentucky’s response to
the public health emergency declared by Governor Andy Beshear on March 6, 2020, due to the COVID-19
pandemic. The bill includes various provisions relating to business operations, health care providers, and
state and local governments.
The bill requires state regulatory agencies to waive administrative fees and extend business
licenses throughout the course of the state of emergency for persons or entities ordered by the governor to
close or alter business practices for which the persons or entities have been licensed under state law.
Licensees may continue to practice their business without interruption and be granted at least 30 days
after the expiration of the state of emergency to pay any owed fee or complete any administrative
obligation. The bill also loosens eligibility rules for unemployment benefits in various ways such as
standards for ability to work, work search activities, suitable work in the context of COVID-19, and the
seven-day waiting period prior to becoming eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.
Other temporary provisions of SB 150:
1.
A license holder with the privilege of selling alcoholic beverages by the drink at retail is permitted
to sell alcoholic beverages by the drink in a covered or sealed container and by the package in
closed sealed original containers on a delivery, to-go, or take-out basis in conjunction with and
incidental to the purchase of a meal through the course of the state of emergency.
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