To make any business/individual either selling and/or giving any E-Cigarette (vape or cartridge) to anyone under the age of 18 a misdemeanor.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Campbell and 5 co-sponsors

HB 2020 makes selling e-cigarettes to minors a misdemeanor, imposing fines up to $10,000 on businesses and protecting youth from harmful vaping products.

To House Health and Human Resources

#crime

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2020 (HB 2020) aims to strengthen regulations surrounding the sale and distribution of e-cigarettes, vapes, and cartridges to minors. The bill seeks to make it a misdemeanor for any business or individual to sell or provide these products to anyone under the age of 18, thereby enhancing protections for youth against the potential harms of vaping and tobacco products.

Key Provisions

Misdemeanor Classification: The bill classifies the act of selling or giving e-cigarettes, vapes, or cartridges to individuals under 18 years of age as a misdemeanor.

Increased Penalties:

Fines:
First offense: Up to $100.
Second offense: Fines ranging from $250 to $500 if it occurs within two years of the first conviction.
Third offense: Fines ranging from $500 to $750 if it occurs within two years of the second conviction.
Subsequent offenses: Fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 if they occur within five years of the first conviction.

Business Penalties:

Businesses found in violation will face significant fines, including a $10,000 penalty for selling to minors, and may be required to close for 60 days.

Employee Consequences: Employees who sell these products to minors may be dismissed for cause, which could affect their eligibility for unemployment benefits.

Affected Parties

Businesses: Retailers and vendors selling e-cigarettes and related products will be directly impacted by the new regulations and penalties.

Employees: Individuals working in establishments that sell these products may face job loss and penalties if they violate the law.

Minors: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation are minors, who will have increased protections against accessing potentially harmful products.

Procedural Aspects

Introduced: January 29, 2025.

Current Status: The bill has been referred to the House Health and Human Resources Committee for further consideration.

Legislative Timeline: The bill is part of the 2025 legislative session and will undergo various readings and committee reviews before potential enactment.

Conclusion

HB 2020 represents a significant step towards regulating the sale of e-cigarettes and related products to minors in West Virginia. By imposing stricter penalties on both individuals and businesses, the bill aims to deter underage access to these products and promote public health. The ongoing legislative process will determine the final form and implementation of this bill.

Bill