Signed by Governor Charlie Baker

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass with amendment a bill that increases the minimum purchase age for tobacco products to 21.

Highlights:

• Increases the minimum purchase age for tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and rolling papers, to 21 (Secs. 2 & 11).

• Exempts an individual who attains the age of 18 prior to the effective date, December 31, 2018 (Sec. 24).

• Prohibits the use of e-cigarettes or other vaping products in places where cigarettes are already prohibited, including school premises (Secs. 4 & 6).

• Prohibits the sale of tobacco and vapor products in healthcare facilities and pharmacies (Sec. 10).

• Prohibits selling vapor products through a vending machine (Sec. 11).

• Requires all containers of liquid or gel nicotine substances to be sold in child-resistant packaging (Sec. 18).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that increases the minimum purchase age for tobacco products to 21.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the sale or use of a tobacco and vapor products to individuals under the age of 21 (Sec. 11).

• Defines “vapor product” as any non-combustible product that uses a heating element, power source, electronic unit, chemical, or other mechanical means that can be used to produce vapor intended for human consumptions, including, but not limited to (Sec. 11):

• Electronic cigarettes or cigars; and

• Pipes, hookah, and vape pens.

• Specifies that an individual found to have violated this act shall be punished by a fine of $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and $300 for a third or subsequent offense (Sec. 11).

Full Bill Text