The bill, titled "An Act relating to the distribution of hookahs; creating a criminal offense," amends the Health and Safety Code by adding a new subchapter specifically addressing the sale and distribution of hookahs. It defines key terms such as "hookah," "minor," and "retailer," and establishes that it is a criminal offense to sell or provide a hookah to individuals under 21 years of age, with penalties classified as a Class C misdemeanor. The bill also outlines defenses against prosecution, including the requirement for valid proof of identification for purchasers, and specifies that retailers must adequately supervise their employees to prevent violations.

Additionally, the bill introduces a provision that prohibits the sale of hookahs to individuals younger than 30 years of age unless they present valid identification. This aims to further regulate the distribution of hookahs and ensure that only eligible individuals can purchase them. The new regulations are set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

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Introduced: ()