Bill > HB49

This bill raises the minimum legal age for purchasing, possessing, and using tobacco, nicotine, and electronic smoking products from 19 to 21 years old in Alaska, with several comprehensive changes to existing laws. The legislation modifies multiple statutes to reflect this new age requirement, including penalties for selling these products to underage individuals, restrictions on vending machine placement, and licensing requirements for retailers. The bill also introduces a new 25% tax on closed electronic smoking products and vapor products, with proceeds going to the tobacco use education and cessation fund. Additionally, it establishes new regulations for electronic smoking products, such as restricting nicotine content to 50 milligrams per milliliter, requiring child-proof packaging, and prohibiting marketing that could appeal to individuals under 21. The law includes provisions for enforcement, such as potential business license suspensions for violations and civil penalties for non-compliance. Notably, the bill provides some exceptions, such as allowing 19 and 20-year-olds to sell tobacco products as part of their employment and maintaining medical and cessation product exemptions. The legislation will take effect on January 1, 2026, with some specific sections delayed until January 1, 2027.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB49