HB 944 -- Tobacco Products

Sponsor:  Hosmer

This bill creates the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control
within the Department of Public Safety and gives the division
the duties to regulate and license the sale of tobacco products
in this state.

The bill requires each retailer of tobacco products in the state
to register and be licensed by the division.  The annual license
fee for selling tobacco products will be $50 for a tobacco
retail outlet.

The agency may make random inspections, investigate violations
and suspend or revoke licenses for violations.  Retailers must
display their license and signs that prohibit anyone 18 years of
age or younger from purchasing tobacco products.

The bill provides penalties for:  failure to be licensed while
selling tobacco products; failure to display the license and a
sign discouraging under-aged purchases; and selling tobacco
products to minors.

The bill also establishes guidelines for age verification of
potential purchasers of tobacco products.