Bill > H1582

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 270 of the General Laws to establish a civil infraction for minors possessing tobacco products, cigarette rolling papers, alternative nicotine products (defined as non-combustible nicotine products for consumption, excluding tobacco, vapor products, or FDA-regulated drugs/devices), or vapor products (defined as non-combustible nicotine products that produce vapor, including e-cigarettes and related devices, also excluding FDA-regulated drugs/devices). Individuals under eighteen found in violation would be required to enroll in a tobacco education and cessation program approved by the Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program, unless the possession is in the course of employment. Police officers will be required to notify a minor's parent or guardian of the violation within 48 hours if their contact information is reasonably available. Violators will forfeit any illegal products and false identification, and the court will treat the offense as a civil infraction, meaning no jail time or appointed counsel will be provided, and the adjudication will not count towards future offenses or impact parole or probation.