Tobacco to 21 Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (30 Apr 2019): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
What this bill does
The Tobacco to 21 Act, introduced in the Senate, would make it illegal nationwide to sell any tobacco product to individuals under the age of 21. It also requires photo identification to verify age for anyone under 30. The Secretary of Health and Human Services would be responsible for enforcing this prohibition through measures like compliance checks and retailer inspections, with penalties for violations.
This bill would affect retailers who sell tobacco products, requiring them to refuse sales to anyone under 21. It would also impact individuals under 21 who currently purchase tobacco products, making it illegal for them to buy these items. The proposed law includes an effective date of January 1, 2020, and allows states and localities to maintain laws that are stricter than the federal standard.
The bill was introduced on April 30, 2019, during a previous session of Congress and was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It did not receive a vote in that session, and its status as "Introduced" indicates it has not progressed further in the legislative process in the 116th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Tobacco to 21 Act
This bill prohibits the sale of tobacco products to (1) anyone under the age of 21, or (2) anyone under the age of 30 without photo identification of the purchaser's age.
The Food and Drug Administration must enforce this prohibition by, for example, conducting undercover compliance checks, performing retailer inspections, and initiating enforcement actions for noncompliance.
The bill establishes penalties for violations.
Timeline
30 Apr 2019
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Common questions
- What does S. 1258 do?
- The Tobacco to 21 Act, introduced in the Senate, would make it illegal nationwide to sell any tobacco product to individuals under the age of 21. It also requires photo identification to verify age for anyone under 30. The Secretary of Health and Human Services would be responsible for enforcing this prohibition through measures like compliance checks and retailer inspections, with penalties for violations. This bill would affect retailers who sell tobacco products, requiring them to refuse sales to anyone under 21. It would also impact individuals under 21 who currently purchase tobacco products, making it illegal for them to buy these items. The proposed law includes an effective date of January 1, 2020, and allows states and localities to maintain laws that are stricter than the federal standard. The bill was introduced on April 30, 2019, during a previous session of Congress and was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It did not receive a vote in that session, and its status as "Introduced" indicates it has not progressed further in the legislative process in the 116th Congress.
- Has S. 1258 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1258. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1258?
- S. 1258 was sponsored by Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI] (D-HI), with 18 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1258?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (30 Apr 2019).
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