CT HB07089

Expands smoking prohibitions to include outdoor areas within 25 feet of building entrances, windows, and air intake vents, and extends restrictions to all retail establishments accessed by the general public and outdoor restaurant areas, effective October 1, 2017.

Broadens the definition of tobacco products to include hookahs and electronic nicotine delivery systems (e-cigarettes, vape products), and applies the same smoking restrictions to e-cigarettes and vapor products as traditional tobacco.

Eliminates employer provisions allowing designated smoking rooms and requires all employers to prohibit smoking in business facilities, while permitting employers to designate entire facilities as non-smoking areas.

Increases penalties for selling tobacco or e-cigarettes to minors under 18 years of age from $200/$350/$500 to $200/$350/$500 with violations measured within 24-month periods instead of 18-month periods.

Creates an exception allowing minors to handle tobacco or e-cigarettes when acting as employees or as part of approved medical research studies for tobacco prevention and cessation conducted through an institutional review board.