HB2097 Summary

• Amends 68 O.S. 2011, Section 412 to establish a $25,000 bond requirement for wholesalers, jobbers, retailers, or consumers purchasing unstamped tobacco merchandise.

• Increases penalties for consumers purchasing unstamped cigars or tobacco products: fines ranging from $25 to $500 for failure to pay required taxes.

• Adds new provision subjecting persons in possession of more than 1,000 small/large cigars or 216 ounces of unstamped chewing/smoking tobacco to administrative fines under Section 418.

• Modifies Section 418 to impose escalating administrative fines on retailers (first offense: up to $1,000; second: up to $5,000; third or more: up to $10,000) and wholesalers/distributors (first offense: up to $5,000; second or more: up to $20,000).

• Authorizes immediate license revocation for retailers with third or subsequent violations and wholesalers/distributors with any Section 418 violation, with 10-year ineligibility for license renewal; declares emergency effective upon passage.