SB 15-E-CIGS: SALE TO AND POSSESSION BY MINOR  2:19:18 PM CHAIR COGHILL announced the consideration of SB 15 and solicited a motion to adopt the proposed committee substitute (CS). 2:20:26 PM SENATOR COSTELLO moved to adopt the CS for SB 15, labeled 30- LS0170\N, as the working document. CHAIR COGHILL objected for an explanation of the changes. 2:20:41 PM JORDAN SHILLING, Staff, Senator John Coghill, Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska explained that the CS for SB 15 version N, removes Section 3 of the previous version of the bill. [It removes amendments to AS 11.76.106(a)] that prohibit electronic smoking products or products containing nicotine to be sold to individuals 19 years of age or older while not in the presence of a sales clerk. SENATOR MEYER asked how age is verified on internet sales. MR. SHILLING said he didn't know, but current law does not prohibit individuals 19 years of age and older from purchasing e-cigarettes and e-liquids when not in the presence of a sales clerk. He deferred further explanation to the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). CHAIR COGHILL asked Mr. Darnell how age is verified for online sales. 2:22:48 PM JOE DARNELL, Investigator, Division of Behavioral Health, Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Anchorage, Alaska, advised that online businesses have age verification questions and that the Department of Revenue regulates online sales for tax purposes. CHAIR COGHILL said he didn't want a blanket prohibition on internet sales at this time. SENATOR MEYER said he appreciates that, but youth need to be protected from access to vaping products if they are the primary users. CHAIR COGHILL stated his preference to only address youth in the bill. Adult use is a different policy discussion. SENATOR MEYER said his concern is that by not addressing internet sales youth will use that avenue for access. 2:25:57 PM SENATOR GARY STEVENS, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor of SB 15, said this bill is targeted to restrict youth access to e- cigarettes. It has enjoyed very little opposition and widespread support. It is not a tax bill. "I think we can do some good things for the young people in our communities by passing this bill as it is." SENATOR MEYER asked if he supports the CS. SENATOR STEVENS suggested Mr. Lamkin respond. 2:27:39 PM TIM LAMKIN, Staff, Senator Stevens, Alaska State Legislature, said the CS is agreeable; Section 3 of the previous version was problematic because it raises tax issues. SENATOR MEYER asked if Section 3 is the only change. CHAIR COGHILL replied it is the primary change. SENATOR MEYER reiterated his concern that youth would use the internet to access e-products. 2:31:04 PM SENATOR STEVENS said this is not the perfect answer, but it will help. CHAIR COGHILL voiced support for moving the bill and thanked the sponsor for working with him on the new CS. 2:32:06 PM SENATOR COSTELLO moved to report the CS for SB 15, version 30- LS0170\N, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). CHAIR COGHILL stated that CSSB 15(JUD) is reported from committee.