Sellers of alternative nicotine products and package retailers; require to have a third-party age verification service.
The bill modifies existing provisions in Mississippi law, particularly those concerning the sale and distribution of alternative nicotine products. It requires retail establishments to have a robust age verification process in place, which includes conducting random inspections by the Office of the Attorney General. This change aims to strengthen existing protections against the sale of these products to minors, thereby promoting public health and safety.
House Bill 976 amends various sections of the Mississippi Code to regulate alternative nicotine products more strictly. It establishes definitions for alternative nicotine products, including e-cigarettes and related devices, and sets forth penalties for sales of these products to individuals under the age of twenty-one. To ensure compliance, the bill mandates that all sellers must implement an independent third-party age verification service, enhancing the state’s efforts to prevent underage access to nicotine products.
The sentiment around HB 976 appears to lean positively among public health advocates who view the stricter regulations on the sale of alternative nicotine products as a necessary step toward reducing youth access to tobacco and nicotine. However, some retailers may express concern over the increased regulatory burdens and responsibility for compliance, which could affect their business operations.
Notable points of contention include the feasibility and costs associated with implementing the required third-party verification systems, which some retailers argue may be too burdensome. Additionally, there could be debates regarding the effectiveness of the proposed measures in genuinely reducing underage smoking and vaping rates, considering the persistent popularity of e-cigarettes among youth despite restrictions.