KS
Kansas House Bill HB2269

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2269

Introduced
2/2/23  
Refer
2/2/23  
Report Pass
2/16/23  
Engrossed
3/3/23  
Refer
3/6/23  
Report Pass
3/23/23  
Enrolled
4/3/23  

Caption

Amending the Kansas cigarette and tobacco products act to raise the minimum age to 21 years old for the sale, purchase or possession of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes or tobacco products.

Impact

The proposed changes will significantly alter the landscape of tobacco regulation in Kansas. By modifying the age requirement for tobacco sales, the bill targets a demographic that has lower rates of tobacco usage overall. Supporters argue that elevating the minimum age will contribute to reducing smoking rates among minors, thereby improving public health outcomes and lowering the long-term healthcare costs associated with smoking-related illnesses. Furthermore, violators of the new restrictions would face increased penalties, further incentivizing compliance among sellers.

Summary

House Bill 2269 aims to amend existing legislation regarding the sale, purchase, and possession of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and other tobacco products in Kansas by raising the legal age from 18 to 21. This shift is part of a broader effort to combat youth tobacco use by restricting access to these products for younger individuals. The bill is positioned within the context of increasing public health concerns associated with smoking and vaping, particularly among teenagers, and seeks to align state law with federal mandates in this regard.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 2269 has been affirmative, particularly among public health advocates and organizations that emphasize reducing youth access to tobacco. However, some opponents have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of such laws, suggesting that they may lead to increased illicit market activity and enforcement challenges. The discussion has centered on balancing public health initiatives with personal responsibility and access to legal products.

Contention

Key points of contention involve potential pushback from tobacco retailers who argue that the law could negatively impact their businesses. Additionally, there is concern regarding the enforcement of such age restrictions, particularly with respect to enforcement mechanisms and the potential for an underground market if access to legal tobacco is limited. Advocates for tobacco control emphasize the long-term benefits of reduced tobacco consumption among youths, framing the debate as one of prioritizing public health over economic interests.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2294

Increasing the required age to 21 to purchase or possess cigarettes and tobacco products including electronic cigarettes and establishing unlawful acts under the Kansas cigarette and tobacco products act and penalties for violations thereof.

KS HB2094

Authorizing the sale of electronic cigarettes in cigarette vending machines.

KS SB21

Relating to the distribution, possession, purchase, consumption, and receipt of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products.

KS SB338

Relating to the distribution, possession, purchase, consumption, and receipt of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products.

KS HB06488

An Act Concerning Cigarettes, Tobacco Products, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems And Vapor Products.

KS SB00326

An Act Concerning The Sale Of Certain Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, Vapor Products, Cigarettes And Tobacco Products.

KS SB97

Relating to regulation of the sale, distribution, possession, use, and advertising of e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and tobacco products; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty.

KS SB00076

An Act Prohibiting The Sale Of Flavored Cigarettes, Tobacco Products, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems And Vapor Products.

KS SB183

Relating to the distribution, possession, purchase, consumption, and receipt of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products; providing penalties.

KS HB170

Relating to regulation of the sale, distribution, possession, use, and advertising of e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and tobacco products; creating criminal offenses.

Similar Bills

KS HB2294

Increasing the required age to 21 to purchase or possess cigarettes and tobacco products including electronic cigarettes and establishing unlawful acts under the Kansas cigarette and tobacco products act and penalties for violations thereof.

NV AB294

Revises provisions governing tobacco. (BDR 40-171)

MD HB1253

Alcohol and Tobacco Commission - Clarifications

KS HB2094

Authorizing the sale of electronic cigarettes in cigarette vending machines.

IA HF21

A bill for an act relating to nicotine solution products, including taxation of such products, making appropriations, and making penalties applicable.

KS HB2801

Requiring a manufacturer of electronic cigarettes to certify annually under penalty of perjury that the manufacturer has received marketing authorization from the United States food and drug administration for the electronic cigarettes, establishing annual fees, requiring the department of revenue to maintain a website directory containing a list of all electronic cigarette manufacturers and certified electronic cigarettes and establishing civil and criminal penalties for violations.

UT HB0460

Settlement Fund Amendments

TX SB248

Relating to the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, and e-cigarettes; requiring occupational permits; imposing fees; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating criminal offenses.