The bill HB 1591-FN seeks to amend New Hampshire laws regarding the sale and distribution of tobacco products, e-liquids, and introduces regulations for "alternative nicotine products." It raises the legal age for purchasing, possessing, and using these products to 21. The bill defines "alternative nicotine product" as a noncombustible product containing nicotine, excluding certain items like e-cigarettes and products regulated by the FDA. It exempts alternative treatment centers and therapeutic cannabis users with a registry identification card from the chapter's provisions, except for tobacco products. The bill shifts the responsibility for imposing fines for violations from statute to administrative rules set by the liquor commission, removing specific fines and suspension periods and emphasizing civil infractions and administrative action for enforcement.
Additionally, the bill outlines prohibitions on selling, giving, or furnishing tobacco products, e-liquids, and alternative nicotine products to individuals under 21, and mandates that tobacco products be sold in original packaging with the Surgeon General's warning. It bans the use of these products on public educational facility grounds and the sale of single cigarettes. Violations will result in civil infractions and administrative action. The bill also includes provisions for the issuance of retail tobacco licenses, requiring compliance with federal laws and granting the commission authority to adopt necessary rules. The act is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: 126-K:1, 126-K:2, 126-K:4, 126-K:5, 126-K:6, 126-K:7, 126-K:8, 175:1, 178:19-a
As Amended by the House: 126-K:1, 126-K:2, 126-K:4, 126-K:5, 126-K:6, 126-K:7, 126-K:8, 175:1, 178:19-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 126-K:1, 126-K:2, 126-K:4, 126-K:5, 126-K:6, 126-K:7, 126-K:8, 175:1, 178:19-a
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 126-K:1, 126-K:2, 126-K:4, 126-K:4-a, 126-K:5, 126-K:6, 126-K:7, 126-K:8, 175:1, 178:19-a