Senate Bill 524 proposes to raise the legal age for the sale, purchase, and possession of cigarettes, nicotine products, and electronic vaping devices from 18 to 21 years old. The bill also amends the definition of electronic vaping devices to clarify that it excludes drugs, devices, or combination products authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of nicotine addiction or tobacco cessation. Additionally, the bill repeals the existing forfeiture penalty for retailers who sell these products to individuals under 21 and removes the exemption from liability for vending machine operators who unknowingly sell to minors.

The legislation includes various amendments to existing statutes, such as renumbering and amending sections related to the sale and distribution of tobacco and nicotine products. It establishes new requirements for retailers, including the need to provide training on compliance with the new age restrictions and to post notices regarding the legal age for purchasing these products. The bill also modifies penalties for violations, increasing the timeframes for which a retailer may be penalized for repeated offenses. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen regulations surrounding tobacco and nicotine product sales to minors, thereby promoting public health and safety.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 134.65(1a)(b), 134.65, 134.66(title), 134.66, 134.66(1)(g), 134.66(2m)(a), 134.66(4)(b), 139.30(10), 139.30, 139.345(3)(a)(intro.), 139.345, 139.345(3)(b)2, 139.345(7)(a)