The proposed bill amends the Youth Tobacco Act to strengthen regulations on the sale and distribution of nicotine and tobacco products to individuals under 21 years of age. It prohibits the sale, giving, or furnishing of these products to minors and establishes specific penalties for violations. A new "nicotine and tobacco regulation fund" is created to support the enforcement of these regulations, which includes compliance checks and retailer training. Additionally, the bill introduces a licensing requirement for retailers selling nicotine or tobacco products, along with associated fees and penalties for non-compliance. Licensees are required to verify customer age through photographic identification and display signage regarding the legal purchasing age.

Further amendments include a requirement for license applicants to notify the department of any changes within five business days, with the department mandated to grant licenses unless the applicant is unqualified. Licenses are valid for one year, with a $500 renewal fee, and the department will conduct regular inspections and publish compliance results annually. The bill also states that licenses are non-transferable and void if ownership changes or if the licensee stops selling these products. It grants the department authority to deny or revoke licenses for various violations, including false information submission, and mandates annual training for employees involved in the sale of nicotine and tobacco products to ensure compliance with legal restrictions.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 722.641