MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – State lawmakers were at work for months in Montgomery — now some of the fruits of their labor — become effective in the form of new laws.
In Alabama, vapes are no longer available in vending machines — the new law also increases penalties for selling vapes to minors. It’s part of a sweeping new initiative — that also raises the minimum age to purchase tobacco and vaping products to 21. The new law also bans the sale of flavored e-cigarettes in convenience stores. In addition — it requires compliance with licensing and signage regulations for tobacco retailers.
Alabama House Bill 518 — known as the “Prenatal Equal Protection Act” — expands legal protections for unborn children from the moment of fertilization. It was a bit of a gray area — but the new law now allows criminal prosecution for homicide and assault of an unborn child.
Another bill signed by Governor Kay Ivey — defines the sex of a man and woman… as well as boy and girl — based on their reproductive organs at birth. The legal definition aims to clarify the state code.
And this school year — Alabama classrooms are prohibiting students’ use of smartphones and other wireless devices. It’s called the FOCUS Act — also known as the “Freeing Our Classrooms Of Unnecessary Screens.”
Meanwhile, teachers and other state employees will now have access to paid parental leave.
Juneteenth becomes an official state holiday. This means that state government offices will close on June 19th for the holiday.
And if you’re still seeing sticker shock at the grocery store — you’ll get a little help come September 1st. Lawmakers reduced the state sales tax on food from 3% to 2%.
They also ended the “Pink Tax” — removing the sales tax from feminine hygiene products, maternity items, and baby goods, including diapers and formula.
And when it comes to illegal immigration — Alabama is joining other states in making it a felony to knowingly bring someone into the state who is in the U.S. illegally. The law goes into effect October 1st — and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
And even though it won’t be in place for this summer — come October — the state will have a new shark-alert system in place to warn people when there is a shark attack on Alabama beaches. It’s also known as “Lulu’s Law” — named after Birmingham teen Lulu Gribbin, who lost her left hand and right leg in a shark attack at a Florida beach last summer.