Bill > HB2778

This bill, concerning retail licensing for electronic smoking devices and tobacco products, primarily aims to raise the minimum age for purchasing all tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices, from 18 to 21 years old, aligning with federal law. It redefines "tobacco product" to explicitly include electronic smoking devices, their components, and any associated substances, while excluding FDA-approved medical products. The bill also introduces new regulations for retail tobacco vendors, requiring them to obtain a tobacco retail sales license starting January 1, 2028, and to implement stricter age verification procedures, including examining government-issued photo identification for purchasers who appear under 30 years old. Penalties for violations are increased, with escalating civil penalties and potential temporary or permanent prohibition from selling tobacco products for repeat offenders. Furthermore, the bill prohibits self-service displays of tobacco products in most retail settings, except in bars that do not allow individuals under 21 and in employee-only lounges in businesses that do not employ individuals under 21. It also establishes a dedicated fund for tobacco retail sales licensing fees to support the administration and enforcement of these new regulations, while exempting the Department of Health Services from certain rulemaking requirements for a limited time to facilitate the implementation of the act.

Business and Industry

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84598