Connecticut House Bill HB05913

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/19
• Refer: 1/23/19

Caption

An Act Increasing The Fines For The Sale Of Vapor Products To A Minor.

Impact

If passed, HB 5913 would significantly escalate the fines associated with selling vapor products to minors. Currently, first-time offenders face lesser financial repercussions, but the proposed bill stipulates increasing fines to three hundred dollars for the first violation, five hundred for the second, and one thousand for any subsequent offenses. This increase in financial penalties aims to foster compliance among retailers and discourage the sale of vapor products to underage individuals.

Summary

House Bill 5913 seeks to amend the current statutes governing the sale of vapor products to minors. The primary objective of the bill is to increase the penalties for vendors who sell such products to individuals under the age of eighteen. This move comes as part of broader efforts to address public health concerns related to vaping among youth, as the rising prevalence of vapor product usage has prompted legislative intervention to deter inappropriate sales practices.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 5913 indicate potential points of contention among stakeholders. Supporters of the bill, primarily public health advocates and legislators, argue that escalating the fines is a necessary step to safeguard youth from the risks associated with vaping. However, some retailers and industry representatives may argue that the increased fines could impose an unreasonable financial burden on small businesses and may not effectively deter the targeted behavior. Balancing public health interests with economic implications for retailers poses a significant discussion point among decision-makers.