This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to allow law enforcement to issue citations to students enrolled in public schools or public charter schools for possessing nicotine products, including electronic smoking devices and tobacco products. The new provision specifies that a citation can only be issued after the student has received a warning. This change aims to address the issue of nicotine possession among students while ensuring that they are first given an opportunity to comply with the law before facing penalties.

The bill also includes a broader context of tobacco usage restrictions, maintaining existing penalties for the sale or distribution of tobacco products to individuals under 21 years of age. It outlines the fines for businesses and individuals who violate these provisions and establishes non-criminal penalties for employees who sell tobacco products to minors. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance enforcement measures regarding nicotine possession in schools while reinforcing existing tobacco regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-9A-3of
Committee Substitute: 16-9A-3of