Senate Bill 2850 Summary

• Requires cigarette manufacturers to file annual certifications with the Commissioner of Revenue by September 1 each year, including brand families, FDA approval verification, and business registration information.

• Establishes a state cigarette directory maintained by the Commissioner on the Department of Revenue website, updated monthly, listing only certified manufacturers and brand families; cigarettes not listed cannot be sold in Mississippi after October 1, 2025.

• Imposes civil penalties on retailers, distributors, wholesalers, and importers selling non-compliant cigarettes: up to $500/day for first violation, $750-$1,000/day for second violation within 12 months, and $1,000-$1,500/day for third violation within 12 months.

• Requires cigarette manufacturers to appoint and maintain a registered agent in Mississippi for service of process; manufacturers located outside the US must ensure their importers do the same.

• Creates parallel requirements for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS/vape products) with separate directory, certification, and penalty provisions including $500 annual fee per product and $2,500/day civil penalties for manufacturers selling unlisted products.