HB 1946: Retail tobacco and hemp products; smoking by a person younger than 21 years of age, prohibitions.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Possession, etc., of retail tobacco products and hemp products intended for smoking by a person younger than 21 years of age; liquid nicotine and nicotine vapor products license; prohibitions; enforcement. Prohibits any person younger than 21 years of age from possessing any retail tobacco or hemp product intended for smoking, as those terms are defined in relevant law, with certain exceptions enumerated in the bill. The bill provides that any such product purchased or possessed by a person younger than 21 years of age (i) shall be deemed contraband and (ii) may be seized by a law-enforcement officer. Any such product, the lawful possession of which is not established, seized by such officer shall be forfeited and disposed of according to the process described in relevant law. The bill also provides that seizure shall be the sole penalty for a violation of such prohibition and that the provisions of the bill shall not preclude prosecution under any other statute. Further, if a person does not receive a license from the Department of Taxation to sell, deal, transport, or ship liquid nicotine or nicotine vapor products to retailers in the Commonwealth, such person is subject to a penalty of $400, in addition to any other applicable taxes or fees. The bill provides that the Department of Taxation is not required pursuant to relevant law to conduct unannounced investigations of retail tobacco dealers at least once every 24 months to verify that a retail dealer is not selling retail tobacco products to persons younger than 21 years of age. Lastly, the bill requires the Department of Taxation to convene a work group consisting of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, the Office of the Attorney General, the Virginia State Police, and the Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services to develop an enforcement program related to the sale of retail tobacco products or hemp products intended for smoking to individuals younger than 21 years of age. The work group's findings and recommendations are to be reported to the Chairs of the House Committees on General Laws and Appropriations and the Senate Committees on Rehabilitation and Social Services and Finance and Appropriations no later than November 1, 2025. This bill is identical to SB 1060.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 24, 2025Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0595)
2. March 24, 2025Approved by Governor-Chapter 595 (Effective 07/01/25)
3. March 24, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1946)
4. March 11, 2025Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
5. March 11, 2025Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 11, 2025
6. March 10, 2025Signed by President
7. March 7, 2025Signed by Speaker
8. March 7, 2025Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1946ER)
9. March 7, 2025Enrolled
10. February 24, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1946)
11. February 21, 2025Conference report agreed to by Senate (36-Y 2-N)
12. February 21, 2025Conference report agreed to by House (82-Y 8-N)

Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history