Substitute House Bill No. 7275 seeks to enhance the regulation of the sale and distribution of cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), and vapor products in Connecticut. The bill introduces a revised definition of "cigarette," which now includes any nicotine-containing product intended to be burned or heated, along with specific criteria regarding packaging and appearance. It also establishes new regulations for the shipping and transportation of ENDS and vapor products, mandating age verification and proper labeling to ensure compliance with age restrictions. Key insertions include the definition of "vapor product" and the requirement for sellers to request valid identification from purchasers to verify that they are at least twenty-one years old. The bill categorizes violations of these provisions as unfair trade practices, allowing the Commissioner of Consumer Protection to take legal action.

Additionally, the bill modifies penalties for selling to individuals under twenty-one, replacing previous fines with a structured penalty system and increasing maximum fines for violations related to the sale and transport of these products. It allows sellers to use electronic scanners for age verification while prohibiting the recording of personal information from these scans, except for limited data. The bill also expands the definition of "cigarette" for tax purposes, requiring sellers to obtain appropriate licenses and mandating compliance with financial obligations related to a tobacco settlement agreement. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025, and the bill is expected to have fiscal impacts, including potential revenue gains from increased fines and costs associated with enforcement and compliance.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 12-285c, 53-344b
FIN Joint Favorable Substitute: 12-285c, 53-344b
File No. 896: 12-285c, 53-344b
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 53-344b
File No. 974: 53-344b