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Bill

A 77

Prohibits the sale of flavored smokeless tobacco within five hundred feet of a public or private elementary or secondary school

2025 Regular Session Introduced by William Colton and 10 co-sponsors

Prohibits sale of flavored smokeless tobacco within 500 feet of any school, aiming to curb youth access by restricting retailers near campuses.

ADVANCED TO THIRD READING CAL.47
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 77

Summary of Bill A 77

Overview

Bill A 77 proposes a geographic restriction on the sale of flavored smokeless tobacco. If enacted, it would prohibit retailers from selling flavored smokeless tobacco within 500 feet of any public or private elementary or secondary school. The bill is currently advanced to the third reading (Cal.47), indicating it is nearing a potential floor vote.

Purpose and intent

  • Primary aim: Reduce youth access to flavored smokeless tobacco by creating a buffer zone around schools.
  • Aligns with public health goals to limit tobacco product exposure and availability near minors.

Key provisions (as described)

  • Prohibition: Sale of flavored smokeless tobacco is banned within 500 feet of a public or private elementary or secondary school.
  • Scope: Applies to all retailers operating within the specified distance from such schools.
  • Enforcement and penalties: Specific enforcement mechanisms, penalties, and exemptions are not detailed in the provided information; full text would clarify enforcement methods and any exemptions or grace periods.

Geographic and policy scope

  • Geographic scope: Within 500 feet of any public or private elementary or secondary school.
  • Product scope: Flavored smokeless tobacco (no other tobacco products mentioned in the provided material).

Affected parties

  • Retailers: Would be subject to the sale prohibition within the specified buffer zones.
  • Schools and students: Potentially benefit from reduced proximity-based marketing and easier enforcement.
  • Regulators enforcement: Government entities would implement and enforce the restriction.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • 2025-01-08: Referred to HEALTH
  • 2025-02-24: Reported; referred to CODES
  • 2025-03-04: Reported (second time listed as reported)
  • 2025-03-06: Advanced to Third Reading (Cal.47) (listed twice)
  • Current status: Advanced to third reading, indicating progression toward a final floor vote.

Sponsors

  • Primary sponsor: Jeffrey Dinowitz
  • Cosponsors: Judy Griffin; MaryJane Shimsky; Jo Anne Simon; Chantel Jackson; Linda Rosenthal; Deborah Glick; William Colton; Rebecca Seawright; David Weprin; Paula Kay

Related legislation

  • Companion Senate bill: S 5613
  • Related Assembly bills from prior sessions: A 8911, A 1887, A 699

Notes for readers

  • The summary reflects information available from the bill’s overview and legislative actions. The full text would provide details on definitions (e.g., what constitutes “flavored”), any exemptions, penalties, enforcement authority, and specific regulatory language.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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