The proposed bill updates current statutes regarding the legal age for purchasing and possessing tobacco products. Under current law, individuals under 18 years old are prohibited from buying or possessing tobacco products. The bill raises the minimum legal age from 18 to 21 years old for purchasing, possessing, or receiving tobacco products, vapor products, or related paraphernalia. Additionally, it allows individuals who are at least 18 years old and serving in the National Guard or U.S. Armed Forces to possess these products under specific conditions, including holding a valid military ID and adhering to military regulations.

The bill also modifies the language in existing statutes to replace references to "minors" with "persons under twenty-one years of age," ensuring consistency with the new age requirement. It maintains penalties for violations, such as fines for selling to or possessing tobacco products as a minor, while also clarifying the definitions of tobacco and vapor products. Overall, the bill aligns state law with federal regulations and introduces stricter age restrictions on tobacco use.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-1655
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-1655
House Engrossed Version: 13-3622, 36-798.01, 36-798.02, 13-802
Chaptered Version: 13-3622, 36-798.01, 36-798.02, 36-798.07, 13-802