New Jersey Assembly passes bill to increase penalties for selling tobacco, vaping products to people under 21
NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey General Assembly has advanced legislation that would increase penalties for retailers selling tobacco and vaping products to people under 21 while expanding the types of products covered under state law.
The legislation, A425, is sponsored by Assembly members Michael Venezia, Tennille McCoy and Sterley Stanley. The measure would update existing laws to address tobacco and vaping products and strengthen penalties for prohibited sales.
“As a former mayor, I saw firsthand how these products harm our vulnerable youth population all while putting strain on local law enforcement and health departments. Our existing laws need the updates that this legislation would provide to keep pace with the evolving tobacco and vaping landscape,” said Assemblyman Venezia (D-Essex). “This bill puts the health and well-being of young New Jerseyans first by strengthening our ability to protect them and hold bad actors accountable.”
Under the proposed legislation, penalties for retailers selling tobacco or vaping products to anyone younger than 21 would increase to as much as $750 for a first offense, $1,500 for a second offense and $3,000 for subsequent violations.
The bill would also expand the definition of products covered by the sales restrictions to include tobacco and nicotine products, electronic cigarettes, vaping devices, hookahs and related accessories.
The legislation would direct penalties collected from violations to the municipalities responsible for enforcement, with 5% of recovered penalties transferred to the New Jersey Department of Health.
Those funds would support educational programs and outreach initiatives aimed at informing the public, retailers and minors about the dangers of vaping products and the consequences of selling or using them illegally.
