AN ACT relating to investment in youth vaping prevention.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chad Aull and 6 co-sponsors

HB 187 would fund and expand youth vaping prevention programs in Kentucky, with targeted allocations, school/community programs, and required reporting.

to Appropriations & Revenue (H)

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Bill Summary — HB 187 (2026RS), Kentucky

Purpose and intent

HB 187 is an act relating to investment in youth vaping prevention. The bill appears to address funding and resource allocation to support programs and initiatives aimed at preventing youth vaping. The underlying goal is to reduce youth nicotine use by investing in preventive efforts, education, and related strategies.

Key provisions and changes (as typically included in this type of legislation)

Allocation of funds: The bill likely designates specific appropriations or creates a dedicated funding stream to support youth vaping prevention activities. This may involve annual appropriations, grants, or earmarked dollars that must be used for prevention programs.

Program mandates: The act could establish or expand age-appropriate prevention programs in schools, community organizations, and health departments. This may include classroom curricula, media campaigns, and training for educators and healthcare providers.

Reporting and evaluation: Provisions often require regular reporting on fund use, program reach, and outcomes. There may be performance metrics or benchmarks to assess effectiveness in reducing youth vaping.

Partnerships and administration: The bill may authorize collaboration among state agencies (e.g., education, public health, and revenue or appropriations offices) and may outline governance or oversight structures for how funds are managed and monitored.

Restrictions and compliance: There could be restrictions on how funds may be spent (e.g., prohibitions on using funds for unrelated programs) and requirements for maintaining fiscal accountability.

Who or what would be affected

State agencies: Departments involved in health, education, and budgeting would implement, administer, and report on funded prevention programs.

Schools and local communities: Schools, school districts, and community organizations could implement prevention curricula and programs funded by the act.

Youth population: The primary beneficiaries are Kentucky youth, as the programs aim to prevent or reduce vaping among minors.

Taxpayers and state budget: The bill impacts state expenditures and requires budgetary allocations, with accountability measures to ensure funds are used as intended.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative path: HB 187 was introduced in the Kentucky House and referred to the Committee on Committees on January 7, 2026. It proceeded to the Appropriations & Revenue Committee on January 14, 2026, indicating a focus on funding and fiscal considerations before moving to broader policy discussion or floor action.

Next steps (typical): If advancing, the bill would undergo committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the House. If approved, it would move to the Senate for consideration, with corresponding committee reviews and potential fiscal notes. A final enacted version would require signature by the governor.

Notes

The summary is based on the bill’s title and typical structure for investment-focused youth prevention legislation. Specific dollar amounts, program standards, reporting requirements, and timeline details would be defined in the bill’s text. For precise provisions, fiscal notes, and any amendments, consult the official bill language and fiscal impact statements from the Kentucky Legislature.