Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

Connecticut Senate Bill SB00326

Introduced
1/25/21  
Introduced
1/25/21  
Refer
1/25/21  
Refer
1/25/21  
Report Pass
3/5/21  
Report Pass
3/5/21  
Refer
3/15/21  
Report Pass
3/22/21  
Report Pass
3/22/21  
Refer
4/28/21  
Refer
4/28/21  
Report Pass
5/3/21  
Report Pass
5/3/21  
Refer
5/6/21  
Report Pass
5/12/21  

Caption

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

Impact

The legislation will amend existing statutes to intensify enforcement measures against businesses that sell tobacco and vaping products to underage customers. The bill outlines a structured penalty system for repeat violations, with escalating fines and potential suspension or revocation of dealer registrations. This change is anticipated to significantly impact how tobacco and vaping products are marketed and sold, especially in establishments frequented by younger populations. It aims to create more stringent compliance measures and promote public health efforts by mitigating youth access to nicotine products.

Summary

Substitute Bill No. 326 aims to regulate the sale of electronic nicotine delivery systems, vapor products, cigarettes, and other tobacco products by prohibiting sales to individuals under twenty-one years of age. The bill increases the penalties for vendors who violate these regulations, which include not selling flavored products other than tobacco flavor and setting a maximum nicotine concentration for certain vaping products. The act's primary goal is to reduce access to these products among minors and ensure that sellers comply with state regulations regarding age restrictions and nicotine content.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB00326 appears largely supportive among advocates for public health and youth protection while eliciting concerns from some business owners who worry about the impacts of increased regulations on their sales practices. Supporters emphasize the necessity of protecting minors and enhancing community health, while critics argue that stringent penalties might harm legitimate business operations. The discussions reflect a classic tension between health advocacy and economic considerations in the legislative landscape.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between effective regulation and the economic impact on businesses. Stakeholders, including vendors and health advocates, express differing views on the appropriateness of penalties, with some arguing they may be too harsh for first-time offenses. Furthermore, debates center on the effectiveness of flavor bans and caps on nicotine content in genuinely curtailing youth smoking rates without pushing consumers towards unregulated or underground markets. This bill raises broader questions about the role of state regulation in personal choices regarding tobacco and vaping.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SB00292

An Act Concerning The Use Of Pfas In Certain Products.

CT SB00200

An Act Concerning Social Equity Applicants, Infused Beverages And Moderate-thc Hemp Products.

CT SB00199

An Act Requiring Online Prevention Education For Electronic Nicotine Delivery System Dealer Registration.

CT SB00340

An Act Concerning Tobacco Dealer Licenses.

CT SB00322

An Act Concerning Motor Vehicle Protection Products.

CT HB05150

An Act Concerning Cannabis And Hemp Regulation.

CT SB00398

An Act Concerning The Regulation And Taxation Of Travel Insurance And Associated Entities, Products And Professionals.

CT SB00251

An Act Concerning The Legislative Commissioners' Recommendations For Technical And Other Revisions To The Tax And Related Statutes.

CT SB00003

An Act Concerning Consumer Protection.

CT SB00128

An Act Concerning Certain Flame Retardant Chemicals In Children's Products.

Similar Bills

CT SB00367

An Act Concerning The Sale Of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems And Vapor Products And Increasing Penalties For Underage Sales Of Such Systems And Products, Cigarettes And Tobacco Products.

CT SB00139

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

CT HB07200

An Act Prohibiting The Sale Of Cigarettes, Tobacco Products, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems And Vapor Products To Persons Under Age Twenty-one.

CT SB00985

An Act Concerning The Sale Of Flavored Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems And Vapor Products And Children's Health.

CT HB06450

An Act Implementing The Governor's Budget Recommendations Concerning Public Health.

CT HB05020

An Act Implementing The Governor's Budget Recommendations Regarding Public Health.

CT SB00290

An Act Concerning The Sale And Purchase Of Tobacco Products, Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems And Vapor Products And Signage Concerning The Use Of Such Products And Systems.

CT SB00877

An Act Concerning Revenue Items To Implement The Biennial Budget.