HB 6561 Summary

• Expands the Youth Tobacco Act to prohibit selling, giving, or furnishing vapor products and alternative nicotine products to minors, in addition to traditional tobacco products, with violations punishable by fines up to $50 per offense.

• Requires retailers selling tobacco, vapor, or alternative nicotine products to post warning signs near points of sale informing customers that purchase and provision of these products to minors under 18 is prohibited by law.

• Mandates age verification for vapor and alternative nicotine product sales by checking government-issued photo ID for individuals appearing under 27 years old, or using third-party age verification services for remote sales.

• Prohibits minors from purchasing, possessing, or using tobacco, vapor, or alternative nicotine products in public places, with penalties including fines up to $50, community service (16-48 hours depending on offense number), and mandatory health promotion programs.

• Exempts minors from violation prohibitions when participating in approved undercover enforcement operations directed by employers, state police, or local police agencies, or in federal compliance checks for substance abuse grant requirements.