SB 1501 Summary

• Expands the definition of "tobacco product" to include electronic smoking devices and vaping products, regardless of nicotine content, along with components and accessories like filters and rolling papers.

• Raises the minimum age for tobacco product purchases to align with federal law (currently 21 years old) and replaces criminal penalties with civil penalties ranging from $500-$3,000 for retailers; removes criminal penalties for minors possessing tobacco.

• Establishes a tobacco retail sales licensing system requiring retailers to obtain a two-year state license beginning January 1, 2022, with mandatory employee training on age verification and illegal sales.

• Prohibits outdoor billboard advertising of tobacco products within 1,000 feet of schools and public playgrounds, while allowing local jurisdictions to impose stricter regulations.

• Implements compliance check requirements for retailers at least twice annually and allows suspension or revocation of licenses for violations, with a three-year ban on relicensing for repeated violations.