The bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code concerning the regulation of cigarette and tobacco products, including vapor products, by introducing a requirement for electronic filing of permits, applications, and tax payments. It expands the definition of "state permit" to encompass all permits issued by the department, excluding those approved by local governments. The legislation mandates that all applications, supporting documentation, and fees be submitted electronically, establishing penalties for non-compliance with these electronic submission requirements. Additionally, it clarifies that any documentation submitted in a non-electronic format will not be considered valid unless permitted by the director.

Moreover, the bill stipulates that cigarette samples can only be shipped to distributors with a permit to stamp cigarettes with Iowa tax, and both manufacturers and distributors must submit notarized affidavits electronically. It introduces penalties for failing to timely submit required reports, set at $50 for each occurrence, and allows cities and counties to approve retail tobacco-related permit applications, with the department issuing the permits on their behalf. The bill aims to modernize the regulatory framework for tobacco products in Iowa, enhance compliance through electronic processes, and ensure that all tobacco-related permit fees are collected by the department and credited to the respective city or county.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 453A.1, 453A.6, 453A.8, 453A.13, 453A.14, 453A.15, 453A.16, 453A.17, 453A.23, 421.7, 421.27, 453A.35, 453A.39, 453A.40, 453A.45, 453A.46, 453A.47A, 453A.52, 453A.52B, 453A.52D, 453D.5