This bill aims to enhance penalties for the sale of tobacco and vapor products to individuals under the age of 21. It amends existing legislation to clarify that retailers 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 specifies that the penalties for violations will increase significantly, with fines set at $750 for the first offense, $1,500 for the second, and $3,000 for any subsequent violations. Additionally, 5% of the penalties collected will be allocated to the Department of Health to support educational initiatives regarding the dangers of vapor products.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury will create a reporting process for retailers to demonstrate compliance with the new regulations. It will also establish a mechanism for anonymous reporting of violations. The legislation emphasizes the importance of enforcing these regulations to protect minors from accessing tobacco and vapor products, thereby promoting public health and safety.

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