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, or to someone who intends to deliver it to a minor. The offense is classified as a Class C misdemeanor, and there are provisions for defenses against prosecution, including the requirement for valid proof of identification for purchasers.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new regulation that prohibits the sale of hookahs to individuals younger than 30 years of age unless they present valid identification. Retailers are required to supervise and train their employees to ensure compliance with these regulations. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()