S.B. 2654 Summary

• Prohibits shipment of tobacco products ordered through remote sales to anyone other than licensed retailers; violators face misdemeanor charges and civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation.

• Includes e-liquid within the definition of "tobacco products," subjecting it to excise taxes and requiring retailers to obtain retail tobacco permits and wholesalers to obtain licenses.

• Increases wholesaler/dealer license fees from $2.50 to $250 and retail tobacco permit fees from $20 to $50; increases excise taxes on cigarettes, little cigars, and tobacco products sold after specified dates.

• Establishes electronic smoking device retailer registration unit within the Department of the Attorney General requiring retailers to register, provide ownership information, and comply with federal tobacco control regulations; registration expires biennially.

• Regulates delivery sales of electronic smoking devices by prohibiting sales to persons under 21 and requiring age verification through third-party databases, government ID, or signature verification at delivery; imposes fines for violations.