2021 House Bill 4427

Revise penalties for minor in possession of tobacco

Introduced in the House

March 3, 2021

Introduced

To eliminate the criminal penalties on a first offense by a minor who tries to buy or possesses tobacco and make it a civil offense with a $100 fine, or 16 hours of community service in a nursing home or hospice, or participation in a government approved “health promotion and risk reduction” program. Subsequent offenses would be misdemeanors subject to a $200 fine and 30 or 60 days in jail.

Referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform

May 25, 2021

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

May 26, 2021

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

Oct. 26, 2021

Reported without amendment

Dec. 9, 2021

Passed in the House 102 to 0 (details)

To eliminate the criminal penalties for minor who tries to buy or possesses tobacco. A first offense would be a civil offense with a $50 fine (as in current law), and community service and participation in a government approved “health promotion and risk reduction” program. Subsequent offenses would also be civil offenses subject to a $100 fine on a second offense and $150 on subsequent offenses.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 14, 2021

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety