Bill > HB05539

This bill, effective October 1, 2026, aims to strengthen regulations for businesses involved in the sale of tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and vapor products. It mandates that applicants for cigarette and tobacco product distributor and dealer licenses, as well as renewals, must provide more comprehensive information, including details about financial interests, criminal background checks for owners, and a designated fiduciary agent who will be personally liable for debts to the state. Additionally, the bill introduces stricter penalties for violations related to ENDs and vapor products, deeming them a common nuisance subject to seizure and destruction, and allows for civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, with the Attorney General empowered to bring actions to collect these penalties and associated costs. Furthermore, it clarifies definitions for terms like "electronic nicotine delivery system" and "vapor product" and requires businesses deriving at least 50% of their revenue from these products to verify the age of all individuals entering their establishments, prohibiting those under 21.

Budget and Finance

Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB05539&which_year=2026