The bill SB 80-FN seeks to consolidate the licensing, auditing, and enforcement responsibilities for the sale of wholesale and retail e-cigarettes under the New Hampshire Liquor Commission. It introduces significant amendments to existing laws, including the requirement for manufacturers and wholesalers to obtain both a license and a tobacco tax certificate to operate legally. The bill also mandates that wholesalers purchase tobacco products only from licensed manufacturers and maintain accurate transaction records for a minimum of three years. Key changes include the replacement of the term "licenses" with "tobacco tax certificates," which will expire on June 30 of each even-numbered year, and the establishment of penalties for selling tobacco products without the appropriate licenses.

Additionally, the bill updates definitions related to tobacco products and e-cigarettes, expanding the scope to include products derived from nicotine and cannabis intended for inhalation. It outlines the procedures for the suspension or revocation of tobacco tax certificates, including the requirement for a hearing, and grants the commissioner authority to take action against certificate holders for various violations. The bill is expected to generate additional revenue through new licensing fees, estimated at $22,450 annually, but does not allocate funding for the additional responsibilities assigned to the Liquor Commission, which anticipates needing four new positions to manage these duties. The legislation aims to enhance regulatory oversight and ensure compliance within the tobacco and e-cigarette markets, with an effective date of July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 78:23, 126-K:2, 175:1, 178:2, 178:19-a, 179:58
As Amended by the Senate: 78:23, 126-K:2, 175:1, 178:2, 178:19-a, 179:58, 179:57, 78:6, 78:10, 78:14, 78:15, 78:19, 78:26, 78:27
Version adopted by both bodies: 78:23, 126-K:2, 175:1, 178:2, 178:19-a, 179:58, 179:57, 78:6, 78:10, 78:14, 78:15, 78:19, 78:26, 78:27
SB80 text: 78:23, 126-K:2, 175:1, 178:2, 178:19-a, 179:58