Tobacco: distribution; name and address of out-of-state purchaser; allow to be placed on the largest unit of packaging. Amends sec. 6 of 1993 PA 327 (MCL 205.426).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Aragona

The bill would require or permit placing the name and address of out-of-state tobacco purchasers on the largest unit of tobacco packaging.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON REGULATORY AFFAIRS

#tobacco:distribution

Overview

HB 5472 (2025-2026, Michigan) proposes amendments to section 6 of 1993 PA 327 (MCL 205.426) related to tobacco distribution. The bill appears to address requirements about providing the name and address of out-of-state purchasers and to allow that information to be placed on the largest unit of tobacco packaging. The bill was introduced by Representative Joseph Aragona (co-sponsor).

Purpose and intent

Align and potentially enhance traceability and accountability in tobacco product distribution by identifying out-of-state purchasers.

Allow the name and address information of out-of-state purchasers to be displayed on the largest unit of tobacco packaging, increasing visibility of purchaser information at the consumer level and potentially aiding enforcement and post-sale oversight.

Key provisions and changes

Amends Section 6 of 1993 Public Act 327 (MCL 205.426), which governs tobacco distribution rules in Michigan.

Requires or permits the name and address of out-of-state purchasers to be placed on the largest unit of tobacco packaging. This implies packaging-level labeling changes to include purchaser identity information.

The specific mechanisms (e.g., who must provide the information, timing, format, and penalties for noncompliance) are not detailed in the provided summary. The bill text would clarify:

Whether retailers, manufacturers, distributors, or wholesalers are responsible for the labeling.
The definition of “out-of-state purchaser” for purposes of this provision.
Required data standards, privacy protections, and data retention terms.
Penalties or enforcement mechanisms for noncompliance.

Who and what is affected

Tobacco product manufacturers, distributors, and retailers operating in Michigan that handle or sell tobacco products.

Consumers may see purchaser information on the largest unit of packaging, depending on implementation specifics.

Regulatory and law enforcement bodies responsible for monitoring tobacco distribution and labeling compliance.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action History:

Introduced and read a first time on January 22, 2026.
Referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform on January 22, 2026.
Bill electronically reproduced on January 27, 2026.

Next steps likely include committee deliberations, potential amendments, and House floor consideration. If passed, similar proceedings would be needed in the Senate and, upon final passage, approval by the governor to become law.

Potential impacts and considerations

Public health and enforcement: Enhanced visibility of out-of-state purchaser information may aid enforcement against illicit or counterfeit tobacco sales and improve tracking across state lines.

Privacy and data handling: The requirement to display purchaser identity on packaging raises privacy considerations for individuals or entities designated as purchasers; the bill text would address data protection, scope, and retention.

Economic effects: Manufacturers and retailers may incur packaging redesign costs and compliance obligations, and small businesses could face higher implementation burdens.

Compliance timeline: Without explicit effective dates in the summary, stakeholders should review the bill’s text for any phased rollout or transitional provisions.

If you’d like, I can analyze the full bill text to extract precise requirements, deadlines, penalties, and definitions once it’s available.