Connecticut House Bill HB05334

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/20
• Refer: 2/27/20
• Report Pass: 3/10/20

Caption

An Act Concerning The Online Sale And Delivery Of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems And Vapor Products.

Impact

If enacted, this legislation would amend existing laws to impose stricter controls on the online sale of vaping products. This would have significant implications for both retailers and consumers, as compliance with these new regulations could require sellers to implement additional verification processes. The overarching goal is to prevent underage access to these products, aligning the state's regulatory framework more closely with public health initiatives aimed at reducing youth vaping.

Summary

House Bill 05334 seeks to regulate the online sale and delivery of electronic nicotine delivery systems and vapor products in an effort to enhance consumer protection. The bill mandates that sellers obtain valid identification from consumers at the time of purchase, ensuring that the name on the identification matches the name on the payment method used, thereby making it more difficult for minors to purchase such products online. It also requires that delivery is only made to individuals aged 21 or older, necessitating the acquisition of a signature from the recipient to confirm age upon delivery.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the impact of this bill on smaller retailers, who may find it challenging to implement the necessary compliance measures compared to larger retailers. Additionally, advocates for less regulation may argue that such measures could overly burden online commerce, while public health advocates are likely to claim that the stricter regulations are necessary to protect minors from nicotine addiction. The balance between consumer access and public health safety will be critical in debates surrounding this bill.