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S 5613

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 Joe Addabbo

Prohibits selling flavored smokeless tobacco within 500 feet of any elementary or secondary school, reducing youth access and exposure near schools.

REFERRED TO HEALTH
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Bill Summary · S 5613

Summary of S 5613

Overview

S 5613 is a proposed state bill that would prohibit the sale of flavored smokeless tobacco within 500 feet of any public or private elementary or secondary school. The bill was introduced on February 25, 2025, and has been referred to the Health committee for consideration.

Purpose and intent

  • Primary aim: Reduce youth access to and exposure to flavored smokeless tobacco by restricting where such products can be sold relative to schools.
  • The measure aligns with public health efforts to limit tobacco product availability near schools and to curtail youth consumption.

Key provisions (high level)

  • Prohibition: The sale of flavored smokeless tobacco would be banned within 500 feet of the property lines of public or private elementary and secondary schools.
  • Geographic scope: Applies statewide within the sponsor’s jurisdiction (state-level bill). The exact measurement method (e.g., property line vs. exterior boundary) and any exemptions would be defined in the full text.
  • Product scope: Focuses on flavored smokeless tobacco products; other tobacco products are not stated as affected by this provision.
  • Enforcement and penalties: Specific enforcement mechanisms, penalties, and penalties’ scale would be detailed in the bill itself. The summary available here does not specify those details.

Affected parties

  • Retailers and businesses that sell smokeless tobacco within the specified proximity to schools would be required to adjust their sales practices or relocate stock away from restricted zones.
  • Students and school communities could experience reduced near-school exposure to flavored smokeless tobacco marketing and availability.
  • Other stakeholders (e.g., parents, educators, public health advocates) may view the measure as a tool to decrease youth tobacco access.

Legislative status and process

  • Introduced: February 25, 2025.
  • Current status: Referred to the Health committee (listed twice in the official actions for the same date).
  • Sponsor: Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. (primary sponsor).
  • Related legislation: Several prior-session bills and companion measures exist (e.g., S 7068, S 1021, S 4477; A 77 as a companion). These may inform or parallel this proposal in prior discussions or efforts.

Potential timeline and next steps

  • As the bill is referred to the Health committee, its next steps would typically include hearings, possible amendments, and votes within the committee before moving to the full chamber for consideration.
  • If advanced, it would proceed through standard legislative processes (floor votes, potential conference committee, and gubernatorial action) depending on chamber rules and negotiations.

Notes: This summary focuses on the substantive intention and framework suggested by the bill’s title and available status. The full text would provide precise definitions, enforcement details, exemptions (if any), and effective dates.

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

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