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 legal language that defines violations and penalties for selling or providing these products to individuals under 21, establishing fines of up to $150 for possession by those underage, along with potential referral to a tobacco education program. The bill also includes exemptions for individuals aged 19 or 20 who are employed in specific roles related to the sale of these products. Additionally, it modifies the existing tobacco use education and cessation fund to allocate a portion of revenue from tobacco-related settlements and introduces regulations for the shipping and transportation of tobacco products, requiring age verification for recipients.

Moreover, the bill imposes a 25% tax on closed electronic smoking products and vapor products, with specific exemptions for military facilities and FDA-approved medical products. It mandates clear labeling for electronic smoking products and restricts shipping to licensed individuals or entities. The legislation also raises the legal age for purchasing tobacco and electronic smoking products, requires prominent warning signs in licensed establishments, and sets licensing requirements for retailers, including a $50 annual fee. The bill emphasizes compliance through record-keeping and reporting requirements, and it addresses marketing practices to prohibit targeting individuals under 21. Effective dates for various sections of the bill are staggered, with some provisions taking effect on January 1, 2026, and others on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
HB0049A, AM HB 49, introduced 01/22/2025: 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
HB0049B, AM CSHB 49(L&C), introduced 02/19/2025: 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