Connecticut Senate Bill SB00139

Connecticut 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/22
• Refer: 2/22/22

Caption

An Act Concerning The Use Of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems And Vapor Products By Children.

Impact

One notable provision of SB00139 is the introduction of escalating penalties for businesses that violate these age restrictions. For a first violation of selling to a minor, the business must complete an online education program; subsequent violations incur civil penalties that significantly increase. Importantly, a fourth violation results in the revocation of the dealer registration, which significantly affects the business's capacity to operate legally. These provisions are intended to deter businesses from engaging in practices that lead to minors accessing these nicotine products.

Summary

SB00139 aims to regulate the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems and vapor products among minors, reinforcing prohibitory measures against their sale to individuals under the age of twenty-one. The Act outlines specific definitions for electronic nicotine delivery systems and vapor products, ensuring clarity in enforcement. Additionally, businesses that sell these products are now mandated to take substantial compliance measures, such as posting clear notices about age restrictions and the penalties for violations at points of sale.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions regarding the balance of public health concerns and the operational burdens placed on businesses. Proponents argue that these measures are necessary to protect youths from the health risks associated with nicotine and vaping products, while opponents raise concerns about the potential economic implications for small businesses in the vapor product sector. The requirement for compliance checks by regulatory agencies has also been contested as an additional layer of oversight that may disproportionately affect certain retailers, leading to calls for more comprehensive guidelines and support for compliance efforts.