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GA SB298
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/15/2020
Primary Sponsor
Renee Unterman
Click for details
AI Summary
- Raises the minimum legal age to purchase, possess, or obtain cigarettes, tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, and consumable vapor products from 18 to 21 years of age
- Expands regulated product categories to include "consumable vapor products" (vapor liquids and vapor delivery systems), covering e-cigarettes, vape pens, and similar devices regardless of whether they contain nicotine
- Requires local boards of education to prescribe mandatory instruction on the dangers of vaping and smoking in every grade from kindergarten through 12th grade, with the minimum course of study ready for implementation by July 1, 2020, and local implementation by December 31, 2020
- Establishes a tiered penalty structure: first conviction for underage purchase/possession carries up to 6 months imprisonment or a fine up to $300.00; second or subsequent conviction carries up to 12 months or a fine up to $1,000.00; sellers face misdemeanor charges escalating to high and aggravated misdemeanor on second offense
- Extends the state revenue commissioner's licensing, enforcement, and inspection authority to cover alternative nicotine products and consumable vapor products, requiring manufacturers, distributors, importers, and dealers of these products to obtain licenses, with fines up to $5,000.00 per violation for license holders; Part I effective July 1, 2020, and Part III (licensing provisions) effective September 1, 2020
Legislative Description
Crimes and Offenses and Education; protections for and education to minors regarding smoking and vaping; provide
Last Action
Senate Read Second Time
2/18/2020
Full Bill Text
No bill text available