This bill seeks to raise the minimum age for purchasing, exchanging, or possessing tobacco products, electronic smoking products, and nicotine products from 19 to 21 years. It introduces new penalties for businesses that sell these products to individuals under 21, including fines of up to $300 and potential court referrals to tobacco education programs. The legislation also prohibits possession of these products by individuals under 21, with exceptions for medical purposes. Additionally, it establishes a tax of 25% on the retail sales price of electronic smoking products, mandates licensing for retailers, and requires clear labeling of these products.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws to enhance regulation and oversight of tobacco and electronic smoking products, including provisions for marketing restrictions aimed at individuals under 21 and the establishment of a tobacco use education and cessation fund. It allows for reduced license suspension periods for businesses that can demonstrate compliance with the new regulations and introduces a rebuttable presumption of negligence for violations by employees. The effective dates for various sections of the bill are staggered, with some provisions set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and others on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
SB0024A, AM SB 24, introduced 01/10/2025: 11.76.100, 43.70.075, 04.09.200, 04.09.350, 04.09.220, 04.09.230, 11.76.105, 12.55.035, 11.76.106, 11.76.109, 43.50.010, 11.81.900, 29.35.085, 47.12.030, 29.25.070, 37.05.580, 44.29.020, 43.50.070, 11.76.107, 44.62.350, 43.50.180, 43.50.300, 43.50.390, 43.50.850, 43.50.900, 43.50.105, U.S.C, 43.50.150, 43.50.190, 43.50.090, 03.05.076, 17.38.900, 43.50.860, 43.50.865, 43.50.870, 43.50.875, 43.50.880, 43.50.885, 43.50.990, 44.64.010, 44.64.060, 45.50.471, 12.55.055, 04.16.050
SB0024B, AM CSSB 24(L&C), introduced 03/14/2025: 11.76.100, 43.70.075, 04.09.200, 04.09.350, 04.09.220, 04.09.230, 11.76.105, 12.55.035, 11.76.106, 11.76.109, 43.50.010, 11.81.900, 29.35.085, 47.12.030, 29.25.070, 37.05.580, 44.29.020, 43.50.070, 11.76.107, 44.62.350, 43.50.180, 43.50.300, 43.50.390, 43.50.850, 43.50.900, 43.50.105, U.S.C, 43.50.150, 43.50.190, 43.50.090, 03.05.076, 17.38.900, 43.50.860, 43.50.865, 43.50.870, 43.50.875, 43.50.880, 43.50.885, 43.50.990, 44.64.010, 44.64.060, 45.50.471, 12.55.055, 04.16.050