TX
Texas Senate Bill SB21

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB21

Caption

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

Impact

The enactment of SB21 is expected to tighten regulations around tobacco products across Texas, with a particular focus on reducing youth access to these products. The law mandates age verification methods for sales and delivery processes, requiring retailers to adopt stricter measures to prevent underage sales. Retailers will need to adjust their training and compliance protocols to ensure they meet the new regulatory standards, reflecting an effort to improve community health outcomes related to tobacco use.

Summary

SB21 updates Texas laws regarding the distribution, possession, purchase, consumption, and receipt of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products, significantly raising the legal purchase age from 18 to 21 years. This bill aims to align state regulations with federal guidelines intended to curb youth smoking and vaping. It proposes stricter penalties for violations of sales to underage individuals, making it a Class C misdemeanor to sell these products to anyone under 21, thereby enhancing public health safety measures.

Sentiment

Sentiment regarding SB21 is largely supportive from public health advocates and various medical organizations, which view the legislation as a positive step toward reducing smoking rates among young people. Conversely, there are concerns voiced by certain business groups, particularly those involved in tobacco sales, who argue that the bill imposes additional burdens on retailers. Overall, discussions around the bill reflect a strong inclination towards protecting the health of minors while navigating the implications for local businesses.

Contention

While the bill enjoys general support for its public health benefits, it has faced some criticism for its potential impact on local control in tobacco regulation. Some legislators have raised concerns that the preemption aspects of the bill could limit local governments' ability to create stricter regulations tailored to their communities. The primary contention rests on finding a balance between state-level regulations and community-specific needs regarding public health and safety.

Latest TX SB21 Activity

View All Events: TX 2019 - 86th Regular SB21

Companion Bills

TX HB749

Same As Relating to the distribution, possession, purchase, consumption, and receipt of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products; imposing a civil 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 SB920

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

TX HB3124

Relating to the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products on the campus of a public institution of higher education.

TX HB3022

Relating to prohibited delivery sales of e-cigarettes.

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 HB4439

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

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 HB1872

Relating to the prohibited sale of certain flavored e-cigarettes; providing a civil penalty.

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 HB749

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

TX SB338

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

TX HB628

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