General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5228 seeks to amend the regulations governing cigarette dealers and electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) dealers in Connecticut. The bill introduces new requirements for applicants seeking a dealer's license, mandating that no more than 25% of the retail sales floor area can be dedicated to cigarettes and taxed tobacco products, and that annual gross sales from these products must not exceed 50% of the applicant's total annual gross sales. Additionally, the Commissioner of Revenue Services is granted the authority to deny or refuse renewal of a dealer's license based on these criteria. The bill also requires applicants to notify local municipalities of their applications, allowing residents to file objections, and sets the annual dealer's license fee at $200, valid for one year.

Furthermore, the bill establishes new regulations for the sale and registration of ENDS and vapor products, defining key terms and requiring that no person may sell or possess these products without a valid dealer registration. Each business must have a separate registration, prominently displayed, and businesses deriving over 50% of their revenue from tobacco-related products must verify customer age and maintain detailed financial records. The bill modifies existing provisions related to dealer registration renewals, removing the annual renewal requirement for those who do not meet the new revenue criteria, and establishes penalties for operating without a dealer registration. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, and amends sections 12-287 and 21a-415 of current law.