AB 1627 Summary

• Requires tobacco product manufacturers to renew their listing on the California Tobacco Directory annually by April 29 and pay a $1,000 fee, beginning with the 2021 calendar year.

• Creates the California Tobacco Directory Fund in the State Treasury to receive the annual renewal fees, with continuous appropriation to the Attorney General for administering the Directory.

• Expands criteria for determining when nonparticipating manufacturers pose an elevated risk, including if their cigarettes are sold by distributors that have not electronically reported their last 12 months of California sales as of January 1, 2021.

• Requires the Attorney General to list only cigarette brand styles that have been tested and marked in compliance with the California Cigarette Fire Safety and Firefighter Protection Act and prohibits inclusion of noncompliant brands.

• Authorizes the Attorney General to bring civil actions against manufacturers, distributors, and other persons for violations, with civil penalties up to $1,000 per day for manufacturers failing to submit timely certifications and up to five times the retail value of cigarettes for other violations.