Bill > HB129

This bill establishes new regulations regarding the sale and distribution of hookahs in Texas, creating criminal penalties for providing these water pipes to individuals under 21 years of age. The legislation defines a hookah as a water pipe used to smoke tobacco or non-tobacco products, and establishes that selling, giving, or providing a hookah to a minor is a Class C misdemeanor. Retailers and their employees can be criminally prosecuted for such violations, though they can use proof of valid identification as a defense if the individual presented what appeared to be a legitimate government-issued ID showing they are 21 or older. The bill also introduces an additional requirement that hookahs cannot be sold to individuals under 30 years of age unless they present valid identification. Notably, there is an exception for military personnel aged 18-21 who can present a valid military identification card. The new law is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, giving businesses time to prepare for and comply with these new restrictions on hookah sales.

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=HB129