This bill aims to enhance penalties for the sale of tobacco and vapor products to individuals under the age of 21. It amends existing laws to clarify that retailers, including those using vending machines, are prohibited from selling any tobacco product, which is broadly defined to include items made from or containing tobacco or nicotine, as well as vapor products and their components. The bill increases the fines for violations, setting them at $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second, and $2,000 for subsequent violations. However, small businesses with effective compliance policies may incur a reduced penalty of $100 for their first violation.

Additionally, the bill mandates that 5% of the penalties collected be allocated to the Department of Health for educational initiatives regarding the dangers of vapor products. It also requires the Division of Taxation to create a reporting process for retailers to demonstrate compliance and to establish a mechanism for anonymous reporting of violations. The bill emphasizes the importance of enforcing these regulations to protect minors from accessing tobacco and vapor products.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:170-51.4, 54:40A-4.1