This bill seeks to enhance public health by raising the minimum age for purchasing, exchanging, or possessing tobacco products, electronic smoking products, and nicotine products from 19 to 21 years. Key amendments include redefining offenses related to selling or giving these products to individuals under 21, establishing penalties for violations, and modifying the existing tobacco use education and cessation fund to allocate a portion of annual revenue from tobacco settlements. The bill also introduces regulations for the shipping and transportation of tobacco products, requiring age verification for recipients and expanding the definition of nicotine to include compounds that mimic its effects.

Additionally, the legislation imposes a 25% tax on closed electronic smoking products and vapor products, with specific exemptions and penalties for violations. It mandates retailers to display warning signs about the legal age for purchase, outlines the licensing process for retailers, and emphasizes accurate record-keeping and marketing restrictions to prevent underage use. The bill also establishes a rebuttable presumption of negligence for business owners if their employees violate the age restrictions, and it includes provisions for the treatment of minors in court proceedings related to tobacco violations. Certain sections of the bill are 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