Bill > HB5053

This bill amends Texas health and safety regulations by expanding restrictions on marketing, advertising, and selling e-cigarette products to protect minors. Specifically, it prohibits selling e-cigarette products in containers or with packaging that: depicts cartoon-like characters, imitates trademarks marketed to minors, includes symbols primarily used to market to minors, features celebrity images, or resembles food products like candy. Additionally, the bill introduces new restrictions on e-cigarette product design, banning products that are disguised to look like school supplies (such as highlighters or pencils), electronic devices (like smartphones or smartwatches), headphones, clothing, backpacks, cosmetics, or toys. The bill also specifically prohibits selling e-cigarette products manufactured in China. Violations of these provisions would constitute a criminal offense. The new law will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will only apply to offenses committed on or after that date, ensuring that prior actions are not retroactively prosecuted under the new regulations.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB5053