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Bill > S514


NJ S514

NJ S514
Prohibits sale of menthol cigarettes.


summary

Introduced
01/14/2020
In Committee
01/14/2020
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/11/2022

Introduced Session

2020-2021 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill includes menthol and clove cigarettes in the current prohibition against the sale and distribution of flavored cigarettes. Current State law provides that no person may sell, offer for sale, distribute for commercial purpose at no cost or minimal cost or with coupons or rebate offers, give, or furnish to a person a cigarette that imparts a "characterizing flavor other than tobacco, clove or menthol." The ban applies to the cigarette, any smoke emanating from the cigarette, and any component part of the cigarette, including the tobacco, paper, roll or filter, or any other matter or substance that can be smoked. A series of monetary penalties and adverse licensure actions may be imposed for violations of the ban. The current State law was enacted in 2008; in 2009, a federal ban on the sale of flavored cigarettes was enacted and codified at 21 U.S.C.S. s.387g. The federal law includes clove flavorings in the ban, but provides an exception for tobacco and menthol flavors. This bill updates the current State law to reflect the federal ban on clove-flavored cigarettes, and additionally prohibits sales of menthol-flavored cigarettes.

AI Summary

This bill updates the current New Jersey state law to prohibit the sale of menthol cigarettes, in addition to the existing ban on the sale of flavored cigarettes. The bill provides context on the increased health risks and addictive nature of menthol cigarettes, particularly among younger and minority populations. The bill imposes civil penalties for violations and allows for the suspension or revocation of retail dealer licenses. The bill aims to address the public health concerns associated with menthol cigarettes and align the state law with the federal ban on flavored cigarettes, which previously exempted menthol.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Hearing (19:00 3/23/2020 Due to the public health emergency, members of the public will n) (on 03/23/2020)

bill text


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