HB 4039 Summary

• Raises the minimum age for tobacco and tobacco paraphernalia purchases from 18 to 21 years old and prohibits selling, giving, or furnishing these products to anyone under 21.

• Changes violations from criminal misdemeanors to state civil infractions with fines of $1,000–$2,500 for first violations and $2,500–$5,000 for subsequent violations within 24 months.

• Requires retailers to post warning signs within 6 feet of each point of sale (5.5 by 8.5 inches with 36-point font) stating that sale of tobacco products or paraphernalia to individuals under 21 is prohibited.

• Adds affirmative defense for sellers who request and reasonably rely on government-issued photographic identification showing the customer is at least 21 years old.

• Repeals the prohibition on minors' purchase, possession, or use of tobacco products and allows local governments to adopt ordinances as restrictive or more restrictive than state law; takes effect 180 days after enactment.