HB 140 Summary

• Raises the minimum legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21 years old in Mississippi, effective July 1, 2018.

• Requires distributors to verify age by examining government-issued photographic identification before selling tobacco products, with no verification required for persons over 30 years old.

• Mandates retailers post clearly visible notices stating "No person under the age of twenty-one (21) may purchase tobacco products" in letters at least one-half inch high at points of sale.

• Establishes penalties ranging from $300 to $1,000 for first and subsequent violations by sellers; persons under 21 who attempt to purchase face $10 fines or 48-72 hours community service.

• Authorizes the State Department of Health to conduct random, unannounced inspections to ensure compliance and includes exceptions for persons under 21 handling tobacco during lawful employment or under state agency supervision for enforcement purposes.