Senate Bill 2086, known as the "Tobacco Product Retail Licensing Act," establishes a regulatory framework for the sale and distribution of tobacco products, including vapor products, in Tennessee. The bill requires retailers to obtain a license from the commission and adhere to specific regulations, including the creation of a Tobacco Product Enforcement Fund to support enforcement activities. Key provisions include mandatory display of licenses, penalties for violations, and detailed application procedures for obtaining a license. The bill also specifies conditions for license denial, such as felony convictions or previous tobacco-related violations, and mandates compliance checks to ensure adherence to the new regulations.

Additionally, the bill enhances enforcement of tobacco sales laws by requiring retailers to verify the age of customers through government-issued photo identification and to check identification at the point of entry for age-restricted venues. It prohibits delivery sales of tobacco products, mandating that all transactions occur in-person at the retailer's licensed location. The commission is tasked with conducting annual compliance checks and maintaining an online database of licensed retailers. The bill includes a severability provision and deletes a section from the Tennessee Code Annotated, with the act taking effect for administrative purposes upon becoming law and full implementation set for January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 67-4-1029