WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 463

TO REQUIRE THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO APPROVE OR DENY SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS CONCERNING CLOSING OR ELIMINATING ELECTRIC GENERATION UNITS OR TRANSMISSION ASSETS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Achor and 31 co-sponsors

Senate Bill 463 removes criminal penalties for minors using tobacco, shifting focus to retailer accountability and promoting public health through education and civil infractions.

Notification that SB463 is now Act 580
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 463

Summary of Senate Bill 463 (SB 463)

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 463 aims to amend the Youth Tobacco Act by eliminating criminal penalties and civil sanctions against minors for the purchase, possession, or use of tobacco products, vapor products, or alternative nicotine products. The bill seeks to refocus enforcement efforts on retailers and promote public health without penalizing minors.

Key Provisions

  • Elimination of Penalties for Minors: The bill removes penalties for minors under the age of 21 who purchase, possess, or use tobacco or vapor products. Instead of facing criminal charges, minors would be subject to civil infractions with minimal fines.

  • Civil Infractions and Misdemeanors:

    • For a first violation, minors would face a civil infraction with a fine of up to $50 and may be required to participate in a health promotion program or perform community service.
    • Subsequent violations could lead to increased community service requirements but would still not carry criminal penalties.

  • Exemptions for Undercover Operations: The bill allows minors to participate in undercover operations for enforcement purposes without facing penalties, provided they are under the direction of law enforcement or their employer.

  • Tie-Barred with Other Bills: SB 463 is tied to several other bills (SB 462, SB 465, and SB 466) that collectively establish a licensing framework for tobacco retailers and modify related regulations.

Affected Parties

  • Minors: The primary focus of the bill is on minors, who will no longer face criminal charges for tobacco-related offenses.
  • Retailers: The bill places greater responsibility on retailers to comply with licensing requirements and enforce age restrictions.
  • Local Governments: Local governments may see a shift in how tobacco-related offenses are handled, potentially reducing the burden on law enforcement.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: June 26, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill has been reported favorably with a substitute (S-1) and is currently referred to the Committee of the Whole.
  • Implementation Timeline: If passed, the bill will take effect only if related bills (SB 462, SB 465, and SB 466) are also enacted into law.

Fiscal Impact

The bill is expected to have no significant fiscal impact on state or local governments. However, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) may incur minor costs related to the production of required signage for retailers.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 463 represents a significant shift in the approach to youth tobacco use, focusing on education and prevention rather than criminalization. By removing penalties for minors, the bill aims to create a more supportive environment for public health initiatives while holding retailers accountable for compliance with tobacco sales regulations.

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

Sign in to ask a question.