HB49 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rolanda HollisRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Nicotine, motor vehicles, smoking of tobacco products prohibited in vehicle with child aged 14 and under present

Summary

HB49 would bar smoking tobacco products or vaping in a vehicle whenever a child 14 years old or younger is present, with penalties and a specific enforcement framework.

What This Bill Does

It makes it illegal to smoke or vape in a motor vehicle when a child aged 14 or under is present. The offense carries a fine of up to $100 per violation. Enforcement is a secondary offense, meaning a citation can be issued after a lawful stop for another violation. The bill also clarifies it creates a new crime and includes a date when it would take effect, while being exempt from certain local-funding requirements.

Who It Affects

• Parents or guardians who smoke or vape in vehicles with a child 14 years old or younger (prohibited and subject to fines).
• Children aged 14 and under (protected from exposure to smoke and vaping in vehicles).
• Law enforcement officers (responsible for enforcing the new prohibition and issuing citations as a secondary offense).
• Local governments/entities (the bill is designed to be exempt from certain local-funding requirements because it defines a new crime).

Key Provisions

• Definitions: 'smoke' (as in existing law), 'tobacco product' (as in existing law), and 'vape' (electronic nicotine delivery system).
• Prohibition: Unlawful to smoke a tobacco product or to vape in a motor vehicle when a child aged 14 or under is present.
• Penalties: Violation carries a fine not exceeding $100 for each violation.
• Enforcement: The violation is a secondary offense, actionable after a lawful stop for another violation.
• Local funding: The bill is exempt from certain local-funding requirements because it creates a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime.
• Effective date: Becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Tobacco