CT HB05542

Expands smoking restrictions in school buildings to cover all areas and times, removing the previous limitation to when school is in session or student activities are being conducted.

Adds electronic nicotine delivery systems and vapor products to the same restrictions as smoking, prohibiting their use in state buildings, health care institutions, retail food stores, restaurants, bars, school buildings, elevators, dormitories, and dog race tracks.

Allows employers to designate their entire business facility and surrounding real property as nonsmoking areas.

Modifies penalties for selling tobacco or electronic nicotine delivery systems to persons under eighteen years of age to allow exceptions for employees and persons under eighteen participating in approved medical research studies at institutions of higher education.

Removes state preemption of municipal smoking and vapor product ordinances, allowing local governments to establish their own regulations.

All changes become effective October 1, 2016.