MS HB231

Expands the Tobacco Control Program to include fentanyl and drug abuse prevention education alongside existing tobacco control efforts, including prevention, cessation, and public awareness campaigns.

Adds fentanyl and drug abuse prevention and cessation measures to the Office of Tobacco Control's duties and strategic planning requirements, following federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

Requires the Office of Tobacco Control director to have knowledge and experience in drug abuse prevention and treatment measures, in addition to existing tobacco control qualifications.

Includes vaporizing devices in the definition of "smoke" or "smoking" for restrictions on tobacco use in public facilities during youth athletic events, with penalties ranging from warning to $150 fine.

Maintains existing funding structure with $20,000,000 annually from tobacco settlement payments deposited into the Tobacco Control Program Fund for program implementation and evaluation, effective July 1, 2023.