HB65 Summary

• Raises the legal age to purchase tobacco, e-liquids, electronic nicotine delivery systems, and alternative nicotine products from 19 to 21 years old.

• Prohibits distribution of these products through vending machines and restricts self-service displays to tobacco specialty stores and e-cigarette retailers in age-restricted areas.

• Establishes permit fees ($50 one-time filing fee + $150 annual renewal) for tobacco distributors, with revenue deposited into a new Tobacco Licensing and Compliance Fund for enforcement and prevention education.

• Increases administrative penalties for violations: up to $500 for first offense, $750 for second, and $1,000 for third or subsequent violations within two years.

• Requires State Board of Education to adopt a model vaping awareness and prevention policy for K-12 schools by July 1, 2024, with each local board required to adopt similar policies by September 1, 2024.