The bill, S.B. No. 1315, proposes to amend the Health and Safety Code by adding Section 161.0895, which grants counties and municipalities the authority to prohibit the sale of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or tobacco products near specific locations. These locations include establishments operating within 300 feet of a church, public hospital, or primary/secondary school campus, and within 1,000 feet of a public or private primary/secondary school campus, provided that a request is made by the respective school district or governing body. The bill allows school boards to request such prohibitions, thereby enabling local governments to take action based on community health considerations.
Additionally, the bill stipulates that any county order or municipal ordinance enacted under this section will not apply to establishments where less than 50 percent of their total gross receipts come from the sale of tobacco products. This provision aims to ensure that smaller businesses, which may not primarily rely on tobacco sales, are not unduly affected by these regulations. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()