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VA SB1146

VA SB1146
Juveniles; possession or use of tobacco or vape products on school grounds, etc., civil penalties.


summary

Introduced
01/07/2025
In Committee
02/05/2025
Crossed Over
01/27/2025
Passed
Dead
02/22/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Persons under 21 years of age; possession or use of tobacco products or vape products on school grounds, etc.; civil penalties. Prohibits any person under 21 years of age from possessing a tobacco product on a school bus, on school property, or at a school-sponsored activity. The bill requires that each local school board implement an educational rehabilitation program for a first violation. The bill permits a law-enforcement officer to issue a summons upon a second violation within a single school year and requires a court to order up to eight hours of community service. Upon a third violation within a single school year, the bill adds a civil penalty of up to $50. For a fourth or subsequent violation within a single school year, the bill requires punishment include a civil penalty of up to $50 or up to eight hours of community service. Additionally, the bill requires that the civil penalty be paid in person at the courthouse for the locality by such person accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, unless such person is 18 years of age or older and not enrolled at the school where the offense occurred. The bill directs the Board of Education and local school boards to amend any affected policies by July 1, 2026.

AI Summary

This bill establishes new regulations for individuals under 21 years old regarding tobacco and vape product possession on school grounds, school buses, and at school-sponsored activities. Specifically, the bill prohibits persons younger than 21 from possessing or attempting to possess tobacco or vape products in these settings, with escalating consequences for repeated violations. For a first violation, the individual will be required to participate in an educational rehabilitation program. A second violation within the same school year can result in a court-ordered community service requirement of up to eight hours. Third and subsequent violations within a single school year may lead to a civil penalty of up to $50, with the option for those under 18 to choose between paying the fine or completing community service. Importantly, for individuals under 18, a parent or legal guardian must accompany them to court proceedings and to pay any civil penalties at the local courthouse. The bill also requires local school boards to update their policies by July 1, 2026, to align with these new regulations, with the goal of discouraging tobacco and vape product use among students and promoting educational intervention.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Left in Courts of Justice (on 02/18/2025)

bill text


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bill summary

Document Type Source Location Created
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1146 01/10/2025
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB1146) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1029956.PDF 01/27/2025
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1146/text/SB1146S1 01/23/2025
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1146/text/SB1146SC1 01/22/2025
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB1146) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1023533.PDF 01/20/2025
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1146/text/SB1146 01/10/2025
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