This bill aims to enhance the regulation of vapor products and increase penalties for violations related to the sale of tobacco products to individuals under 21 years of age. It clarifies that vapor products include both refillable and single-use devices, and establishes that a person aged 21 or older who purchases such products for someone under 21 is committing a petty disorderly offense. The bill significantly raises the penalties for selling tobacco products to minors, increasing fines from $250 to $10,000 for the first violation, $500 to $20,000 for the second, and from $1,000 to $20,000 for the third and subsequent violations. Additionally, it mandates a 90-day license suspension after a third violation and revocation after a fourth.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that 25% of the penalties collected will be allocated to youth-focused tobacco and vaping prevention education initiatives, such as school programs and community awareness campaigns. The sponsors of the bill express concern over the rising popularity of disposable vaping products among youth, which they believe poses a significant public health risk. By closing existing loopholes in the regulation of vaping products, the bill seeks to ensure that all nicotine delivery systems are subject to the same stringent regulations, thereby protecting youth and promoting public health.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:170-51.1, 2A:170-51.4