Oklahoma 2025 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB936

Introduced
2/3/25  
Refer
2/4/25  

Caption

Tobacco and vapor products; modifying applicability of fines under the Prevention of Youth Access to Tobacco Act. Effective date.

Impact

The proposed legislation will lead to an enhancement of enforcement measures against vendors who violate the youth access laws. By instituting fines ranging from $100 for first offenses to potentially $1,500 for repeat offenders, the bill seeks to create a financial incentive for store owners and their staff to adhere strictly to age verification protocols. Should an employee fail to comply with these regulations, the penalties could also extend to the store's ability to operate, which includes suspending the store's license to sell tobacco products.

Summary

Senate Bill 936 aims to amend the existing 'Prevention of Youth Access to Tobacco Act' in Oklahoma by modifying the applicability of fines related to the sale of tobacco and vapor products to minors. The bill stipulates that both the store owner and their employees can be held liable when a sale to a minor occurs, thus reinforcing accountability at multiple levels within tobacco sales operations. This change is intended to curb underage access to tobacco products by imposing stricter penalties on those responsible for compliance with age verification and sales regulations.

Contention

While proponents of SB936 argue that the bill is necessary to protect the health of minors and reduce youth smoking rates, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of holding store owners responsible for the actions of their employees. Additionally, there may be discussions about the effectiveness of punitive measures compared to education and prevention strategies in addressing the issue of youth access to tobacco products. The tension between enforcing compliance and ensuring fair treatment for businesses is likely to be a focal point of debate as the bill progresses.

Effectiveness

The legislation is set to become effective on November 1, 2025, indicating a timeline for the necessary preparations for enforcement to take place. This period may provide stakeholders—including store owners, employees, and the ABLE Commission—time to familiarize themselves with the new regulations and adjust their practices accordingly.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB3331

Tobacco and vapor products; Prevention of Youth Access to Tobacco Act; fines to include store owner when sold to a minor; effective date.

OK HB2165

Children; tobacco products; fines; requiring violator to attend program or class; city ordinances; effective date.

OK HB2165

Children; tobacco products; fines; requiring violator to attend program or class; city ordinances; effective date.

OK SB601

Cigarette and tobacco products; enforcement of tobacco tax laws; industry advisory committee; purchase of tobacco products; seizure of untaxed tobacco products; procedures. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB601

Cigarette and tobacco products; enforcement of tobacco tax laws; industry advisory committee; purchase of tobacco products; seizure of untaxed tobacco products; procedures. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB3971

Vapor products; vapor product manufacturer attestation, material change, directory of manufacturers and products and unlawful acts; Attorney General; attestation; reports; material change; fines; violations; criminal penalties; tobacco products tax enforcement unit and annual report; vapor products; purchase regulations; definitions; untaxed merchandise, bond, and penalties; tobacco products; trucks and vehicles; Tax Commission licenses and fees; tobacco product distributors and retailers, required record-keeping, sellers; effective date.

OK HB4061

Heated tobacco products; taxes on cigarettes and tobacco products; definitions; clarifying taxability of products; levy; effective date.

OK SB34

Public health; updating statutory references relating to prevention of youth access to tobacco. Effective date.

OK SB34

Public health; updating statutory references relating to prevention of youth access to tobacco. Effective date.

OK SB215

Oklahoma Juvenile Code; authorizing enactment and enforcement of certain municipal ordinances relating to tobacco. Effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.