Bill > SB1459

This bill amends two tobacco-related laws to strengthen enforcement and financial accountability for tobacco product manufacturers. In the Tobacco Products Manufacturers' Escrow Enforcement Act, the bill introduces a new procedure where if a distributor fails to submit required information, the Attorney General can send a notice of violation with a 10-day cure period. If the distributor does not resolve the violation within that timeframe, the Attorney General can notify the Director of Revenue, who must then revoke the distributor's license. In the Tobacco Product Manufacturers' Escrow Act, the bill adds a provision allowing tobacco product manufacturers who place funds into escrow to make an irrevocable assignment of those funds to the state. This assignment would be permanent and cover all existing and future funds in the escrow account, including interest. The assigned funds can be withdrawn by the state with the Attorney General's approval and would be used to reimburse Medicaid costs, serving as a credit against potential judgments or settlements against the tobacco manufacturer. These changes aim to improve regulatory oversight and financial accountability in the tobacco industry by providing clearer enforcement mechanisms and additional financial protections for the state.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1459&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104