A bill to further flesh out Alabama’s law that prohibits the sales of vape products to people under 21 passed the Alabama Senate Committee on Healthcare Wednesday.

Despite some opposition at this week’s public hearing from Meghan Hardesty, president of the Alabama Vape and Hemp Association, the bill will now go to the Senate for a full vote.

HB8, brought forth by Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, would create fees for distributors that she said would generate $2.5 million for enforcement efforts.

It would also establish the Tobacco Licensing and Compliance Fund in the State Treasury.

It would establish new penalties for distributors who violate the law. A third violation within a two-year period would carry a fine up of to $1,000 and the possibility of a suspension or revocation of a permit.

Small penalties would also apply to those under 21 who are in possession of vape products.

They would include written warnings for a first offense, followed by community service and fines for repeat offenders. Those younger than 18 would have their cases handled in juvenile court.

HB8 would also require the State Board of Education to establish a model vaping awareness, education, and prevention program.

While Hardesty said her association supports “smart regulation” she urged lawmakers to work with small business owners to create regulations that would not “attack the very businesses that are doing things right.”

The House has passed similar bills by Drummond twice before, but they failed to pass the Senate.

Drummond recently told AL.com’s Mike Cason that she is more optimistic this year.

She said Senate President Pro-Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, will handle the bill in the Senate.

“It’s a good bill for the health and welfare of our children,” she said.