SB1919 Summary

• Establishes retailer licensing requirements for cigarette and tobacco product sales beginning January 1, 2016, with an annual $75 license fee per location deposited into the Tax Compliance and Administration Fund for inspection and contraband enforcement.

• Requires sales invoices from licensed distributors to retailers to include the distributor's license number, except in cases where the distributor obtains a waiver for wholly-owned subsidiary arrangements.

• Implements mandatory employee training programs for retailers regarding minimum-age tobacco sales laws, with training requirements including identification verification procedures and electronic training options.

• Establishes escalating license suspension penalties for retailers violating age-of-sale laws: 3-day suspension for retailers with training on second violation or fourth+ violation; 3-day or 7-day suspensions for retailers without training on second or third violations; and 30-day suspension for fourth+ violations without training.

• Increases penalties for minors purchasing tobacco products, with violations tracked over 24-month periods and penalties including fines ranging from $50-$200 and 25-50 hours of community service depending on offense number and employer training status.