Bill > SB5183

This bill aims to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products and entertainment vapor products in Washington state, with the primary goal of reducing youth tobacco and nicotine use. Beginning January 1, 2026, retailers will be banned from selling, displaying, marketing, or advertising flavored tobacco products, nicotine products, and vapor products with interactive gaming features. The bill defines "flavored" products as those with a taste or smell other than tobacco, or those that provide a cooling or numbing sensation. The legislation is motivated by several findings, including that tobacco remains a leading cause of preventable death, eight out of ten youth who use tobacco start with flavored products, and flavors are deliberately designed to appeal to young people. The bill requires the Department of Health to develop a statewide prevention and awareness campaign about the health risks of these products, and empowers the Liquor and Cannabis Board to enforce the new regulations through penalties such as monetary fines, license suspensions, and potential license revocations for repeated violations. The law also recognizes the disproportionate impact of tobacco marketing on communities of color and aims to address historical targeting by the tobacco industry.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5183&Year=2025&Initiative=false