SB3413 Summary

• Beginning January 1, 2013, cigarette retailers in Illinois must obtain an annual license from the Department of Revenue for a fee of $250, with a $2,500 minimum bond required.

• Expands the definition of "cigarette" effective January 1, 2013, to include any roll for smoking made of tobacco with a paper wrapper, plus products labeled differently that meet two or more specified criteria (packaging type, size, filter, weight, marketing, etc.).

• Retailers must purchase cigarettes only from licensed distributors, secondary distributors, or manufacturer representatives; retailers must file monthly reports with the Department showing cigarette purchases and sales.

• Establishes similar licensing and regulatory requirements for tobacco products retailers under the Tobacco Products Tax Act, including a $250 annual license fee and $2,500 minimum bond.

• Adds criminal penalties (Class 4 felony) for operating as a retailer of cigarettes or tobacco products without proper licensure, with each day of operation constituting a separate offense.