This bill proposes comprehensive changes to Alaska's laws regarding the sale, possession, and taxation of tobacco and nicotine products, primarily by raising the minimum age for purchasing these products from 19 to 21 years. It amends existing laws to impose penalties for selling or providing these products to individuals under 21, classifying such violations as punishable by fines up to $150. Additionally, the bill establishes a tobacco use education and cessation fund, which will receive 20% of annual revenue from a specific legal settlement to support smoking education and prevention initiatives.

The legislation also introduces a 25% tax on closed electronic smoking products and vapor products, which licensed retailers must collect and remit. It mandates that individuals shipping these products verify that recipients are over 21 or licensed, with violations resulting in a class A misdemeanor and civil penalties up to $5,000. The bill further requires retailers to display warning signs about the legal age for sales, implement written policies against selling to minors, and conduct employee training on age verification. It also prohibits marketing practices that appeal to individuals under 21 and includes staggered effective dates for various provisions, with some taking effect in 2026 and others in 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