HB 2515 Summary

• Expands the definition of "tobacco product" to include electronic smoking devices and vaping products, along with their components and accessories, subjecting them to the same regulations as traditional tobacco products.

• Requires retail tobacco vendors to obtain state tobacco retail sales licenses beginning January 1, 2023, and establishes penalties ranging from $500-$3,000 for violations, with suspension or revocation of selling privileges for repeat offenses.

• Mandates age verification using government-issued photographic identification for all tobacco sales to persons under the federal minimum age of sale, with exemptions only for persons appearing to be 30 years of age or older.

• Prohibits outdoor billboard advertising of tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices, within 1,000 feet of schools or public playgrounds, while allowing local jurisdictions to impose more restrictive standards.

• Establishes compliance check requirements for retail vendors at least twice annually and creates the Tobacco Retail Sales Licensing Fund, with 90% of licensing fees supporting enforcement and 10% going to the state general fund.