AB 2496 Summary

• Requires manufacturers and importers of cigarettes to waive sovereign immunity defenses or post a surety bond ($50,000 minimum) as a condition of obtaining and maintaining a license; raises failure to comply as grounds for license revocation.

• Prohibits retailers, distributors, and wholesalers from purchasing cigarettes unless the manufacturer and brand family are listed on the Attorney General's directory; makes violation a misdemeanor.

• Establishes that delivery sales of cigarettes are permitted only when the seller complies with federal law (Jenkins Act, PACT Act), maintains applicable licenses, and meets all state escrow and payment obligations; makes violations a misdemeanor.

• Requires tobacco product manufacturers to submit or authorize disclosure of federal tax returns and reports to the Attorney General as a condition of selling cigarettes in the state; failure results in removal from the directory and potential civil penalties up to $5,000.

• Amends the definition of "bidis" or "beedies" to include any product marketed and sold as such; prohibits their sale outside age-restricted establishments and subjects violators to both criminal liability and civil penalties up to $2,000.