Bill > A08468

This bill amends the New York Public Health Law to modify the definition of "enforcement officer" specifically for cities with a population of one million or more. Currently, enforcement officers in such large cities can be any officer or employee authorized to enforce local laws related to selling tobacco products to minors. The bill now explicitly adds that for the purposes of section 1399-ee of the public health law, the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) will also be considered an enforcement officer. This means OATH will have the legal authority to enforce regulations around tobacco products, herbal cigarettes, and smoking paraphernalia in large cities like New York City. The change appears to expand the range of city agencies that can take action to regulate and enforce tobacco-related laws, potentially providing more mechanisms for ensuring compliance with local ordinances about tobacco sales and use.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8468