House Bill 916 Summary

• Requires cigarette manufacturers whose products are sold in Mississippi to file annual certifications with the Commissioner of Revenue before September 1 each year, including brand families, FDA compliance verification, and business registration information.

• Directs the Commissioner to create and maintain a public state cigarette directory by October 1, 2025, listing only certified manufacturers and brand families; cigarettes not listed are prohibited from sale beginning that date.

• Establishes civil penalties of up to $500 per day for retailers/distributors selling unlisted cigarettes (increasing to $750-$1,000 for second violations and $1,000-$1,500 for third violations within 12 months); manufacturers face $10,000 per day penalties.

• Requires ENDS (electronic nicotine delivery system) product manufacturers to submit annual certifications proving FDA marketing approval or timely-filed pending applications by September 1, 2025; creates a separate ENDS product directory by October 1, 2025 with similar compliance penalties ($500-$1,500 per product per day for retailers; $2,500 per product per day for manufacturers).

• Mandates manufacturers maintain registered agents in Mississippi for service of process, requires at least two unannounced annual compliance checks by the Department of Revenue, and establishes 60-day transition periods for retailers and distributors to sell or remove non-compliant inventory.