Bill Summary: HB 7200 - Tobacco and Nicotine Sales Age Restriction

• Raises the minimum age to purchase cigarettes, tobacco products, electronic nicotine delivery systems, and vapor products from 18 to 21 years old, effective October 1, 2019

• Increases penalties for sellers who violate the age restrictions, with fines ranging from $300-$1,000 for first offense and escalating for subsequent violations within 24 months

• Requires age verification for all tobacco and nicotine product purchases, with transaction scan devices permitted to check identification validity; requires "proper proof of age" (driver's license, passport, or state ID) for anyone appearing under 30

• Implements compliance check program where the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services conducts unannounced inspections using persons aged 16-20 to attempt purchases at registered dealers

• Establishes registration requirements for dealers and manufacturers selling electronic nicotine delivery systems and vapor products, with annual fees of $400-$800 for dealer registrations and heightened restrictions on product displays and sales methods