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
Reported without amendment
With the recommendation that the substitute (H-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary
Reported without amendment
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.
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety
