Bills Relating to Flavored Tobacco Bans Up This Week

SB2538* – Bans the sale of flavored tobacco products. Prohibits mislabeling of e-liquid products containing nicotine. Establishes fines and penalties for violations. Requires the Department of Education to establish a safe harbor program by which persons under 21 years of age may dispose of electronic cigarettes in their possession. Authorizes public school teachers to confiscate electronic cigarettes. Increases fines for the purchase or possession of tobacco products and electronic smoking devices by persons under 21 years of age. Authorizes a court to impose, as a penalty on a person 18-21 years of age who is convicted of possession of a tobacco product or electronic smoking device, the requirement to complete a tobacco education program, complete a tobacco use cessation program, or perform community service instead of paying a fine. Requires a parent or guardian of a minor to select from among the penalties for a minor convicted of possession of a tobacco product or electronic smoking device. The hearing is slated for Wednesday at 9:15 a.m.

SB2228 – Beginning July 1, 2020, prohibits the sale of flavored products for electronic smoking devices, the mislabeling of e-liquid products containing nicotine, and the sale of tobacco products other than through retail sales via a direct, in-person exchange between a retailer and consumer. Establishes penalties. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.