The bill amends the Youth Tobacco Act by updating Section 2 to clarify the restrictions placed on minors regarding tobacco and vapor products. It specifies that minors are prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or using tobacco and vapor products in public places, as well as from presenting false proof of age for these purposes. The penalties for violations include fines and community service, with the severity of the penalties increasing with the number of violations. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for minors participating in undercover operations or compliance checks, exempting them from certain prohibitions under specified conditions.
The bill also includes new legal language that emphasizes the responsibilities of individuals who violate these provisions, including the requirement to participate in health promotion and risk reduction assessment programs. Furthermore, it establishes that the new amendments will not take effect unless certain other bills from the 103rd Legislature are enacted into law. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen regulations surrounding youth access to tobacco and vapor products while providing a framework for enforcement and penalties.
Statutes affected: Senate Introduced Bill: 722.642