Bill > HB2068

This bill seeks to regulate tobacco and nicotine products with a comprehensive set of provisions aimed at reducing youth access and usage. The bill defines and prohibits the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products and entertainment vapor products beginning July 1, 2027, targeting products with appealing flavors like cotton candy, gummy bear, and mint that are particularly attractive to young people. It highlights the significant public health concerns around tobacco use, noting that it remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States and that youth are particularly vulnerable to addiction through flavored products. The legislation increases taxes on cigarettes and vapor products, with a $2 per package tax on cigarettes that will be adjusted periodically for inflation. The bill also increases licensing fees for tobacco and vapor product retailers and distributors, raising them to $1,000 per location. Additionally, it requires retailers to display signs about the prohibition of selling flavored tobacco products and mandates that the Department of Health develop a statewide prevention and awareness campaign about the health risks of these products. The bill includes enforcement mechanisms, allowing the Liquor and Cannabis Board to impose monetary penalties and suspend or revoke licenses for violations, and provides for potential government-to-government consultations with Native American tribes regarding the implementation of these regulations.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2068&Year=2025&Initiative=false