TX
Texas House Bill HB81

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB81

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to regulation of the sale, distribution, possession, use, and advertising of nicotine products and cigarettes; authorizing a fee; creating offenses.

Impact

The ramifications of HB 81 affect several aspects of existing state laws concerning tobacco and nicotine products. By expanding the definition of who may legally purchase nicotine products and implementing strict penalties for non-compliance, the bill seeks to consolidate public health efforts aimed at reducing tobacco and nicotine addiction among minors. Additionally, the bill mandates retailer responsibility in training employees to enforce these regulations, thereby fostering a proactive approach to prevent illegal sales to minors.

Summary

House Bill 81 aims to enhance the regulation of the sale, distribution, possession, use, and advertising of nicotine products and cigarettes in Texas. One of the crucial components of the bill is the increase in the legal age to purchase nicotine products, raising it from 18 to 27 years. This shift is intended to protect young individuals from the dangers associated with nicotine and tobacco use, particularly among the underage population. The legislation also introduces offenses for vendors who fail to comply with these new age restrictions and guidelines, establishing a legal framework to penalize violations effectively.

Contention

Despite a significant focus on public health, key points of contention surrounding HB 81 include concerns from some vendors and retailers who argue that the amendments could stifle business opportunities and create undue burdens on small businesses. There have been discussions about the challenges associated with verifying age and restricting access to nicotine products, especially in online and delivery sales. Moreover, while proponents believe that such stringent regulations will lead to a healthier population, some community members doubt the feasibility and effectiveness of the enforcement mechanisms outlined in the bill.

Latest TX HB81 Activity

View All Events: TX 2015 - 84th Regular HB81

Companion Bills

TX SB97

Similar 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.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4481

Relating to a directory of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products sold in this state, and regulation of the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; imposing a civil penalty; imposing administrative penalties.

TX SB2054

Relating to a directory of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products sold in this state, and regulation of the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products; imposing fees; creating criminal offenses; imposing a civil penalty; imposing administrative penalties.

TX HB3652

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, testing, possession, and use of cannabis and cannabis products; authorizing the imposition of taxes and fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB4439

Relating to the production, sale, distribution, delivery, and regulation of consumable hemp products; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB209

Relating to regulating the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, and use of cannabis and cannabis products; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1937

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, use, and taxation of cannabis and cannabis products and local regulation of cannabis establishments; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a tax.

TX SB920

Relating to the prohibited sale of flavored cigarettes, e- cigarettes, and tobacco products and administrative penalties for the prohibited sales.

TX SB2308

Relating to taxes on e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products; imposing taxes; imposing reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

TX HB4353

Relating to taxes on e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products; imposing taxes; imposing reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

TX HB1831

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, processing, distribution, sale, testing, transportation, delivery, transfer, possession, use, and taxation of cannabis and cannabis products and the local regulation of cannabis establishments; providing for expunction of records relating to certain decriminalized conduct; authorizing the imposition of fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense; imposing a tax.

Similar Bills

TX 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.

TX HB170

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

TX HB1908

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

TX SB910

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

TX SB183

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

TX SB21

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

TX SB338

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

TX HB749

Relating to the distribution, possession, purchase, consumption, and receipt of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products; imposing a civil penalty.