H.B. 2134 Summary

• Prohibits the sale or furnishing of tobacco products and electronic smoking devices to persons under twenty-one years of age, effective July 1, 2016.

• Requires signs stating "The sale of tobacco products or electronic smoking devices to persons under twenty-one is prohibited" to be posted at vending machines and points of sale in letters at least one-half inch high.

• Makes it unlawful for persons under twenty-one to purchase tobacco products or electronic smoking devices, with exceptions for controlled law enforcement purchases or authorized studies with parental consent.

• Establishes penalties of $500 for first offense and $500-$2,000 for subsequent offenses for sellers; minors face $10 first offense fine or 48-72 hours of community service for repeat violations.

• Relocates existing tobacco and electronic smoking device regulations from Chapter 709 (Offenses Against Family) to Chapter 712 (Offenses Against Public Health and Morals).