MT HB177

Expands the definition of "tobacco product" to include alternative nicotine products and vapor products (e-cigarettes, vape pens), subjecting them to the same retail licensing requirements and sales restrictions

Repeals Section 16-11-313, which currently prohibits local governments from banning the sale of alternative nicotine and vapor products

Removes the restriction preventing local governments with self-government powers from prohibiting sales of alternative nicotine and vapor products, allowing cities and counties to enact local sales bans

Maintains existing requirements that all tobacco product sellers obtain a license from the Department of Revenue, post age-restriction signs, and prohibit sales to persons under 18 years of age

Updates penalty provisions so that violations involving alternative nicotine and vapor products are treated the same as traditional tobacco product violations, including a $500 tobacco education fee for fifth offenses and license suspension for sixth and subsequent offenses