MS HB287

Raises the minimum legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21 years old and prohibits sale or distribution of all tobacco products (including e-cigarettes and vaping devices) to persons under 21

Requires distributors to verify age using government-issued photographic identification before sale, with an exception for customers appearing to be 30 or older

Mandates retailers post visible signage 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 of $300 minimum for first violation, $600 for second, and $1,000 for subsequent violations; minors violating the law face $10 for first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense or 48-72 hours of community service

Authorizes the State Department of Health to conduct random, unannounced inspections to test compliance and becomes effective July 1, 2024