General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7275 seeks to enhance the regulation of the sale and distribution of cigarettes, tobacco products, electronic nicotine delivery systems, and vapor products in Connecticut. The bill introduces a revised definition of "cigarette" to include any nicotine-containing product intended to be burned or heated, and expands the definition of "tobacco products." It establishes stricter shipping regulations, allowing these items to be sent only to licensed distributors or specific government officials. Violations of these regulations are categorized as class A misdemeanors or class C felonies for repeat offenders, with civil penalties of up to $10,000 imposed by the Commissioner of Revenue Services. The bill also repeals existing language in section 53-344b, replacing it with updated definitions and regulations, including the requirement for sellers to verify the age of purchasers through transaction scan devices.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes age verification for the purchase of electronic nicotine delivery systems and vapor products, prohibiting sales to individuals under twenty-one and imposing fines for misrepresentation of age. Sellers must request proof of age from anyone appearing under thirty and are permitted to use transaction scanning devices for verification, while being restricted from retaining personal information beyond essential details. An affirmative defense is provided for sellers who can demonstrate reasonable reliance on valid identification during sales. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to strengthen enforcement of age restrictions and responsible selling practices in the tobacco and vapor product market.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 12-285c, 53-344b