All Roll Calls
Yes: 97 • No: 6
IdahoH 08172026 regular legislative sessionHouseWALLET
TOBACCO PRODUCTS – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding the sale of cigars.
Sponsored By: HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE
Signed by Governor
TOBACCO PRODUCTS
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 5 costs, 1 mixed.
No EBT purchases of tobacco
Starting July 1, 2026, you cannot use a Quest EBT card, or cash from it, to buy cigarettes, tobacco, or e‑smoking devices. Using EBT for these items is a misdemeanor. The state sends written notice, and cash public assistance can be forfeited after a confirmed violation.
Self-service tobacco sales now banned
Beginning July 1, 2026, all tobacco and e‑cigarette sales must be vendor‑assisted. Self‑service displays and vending machines are banned. Permit holders must post a clear age‑21 sign at each place of sale. Many stores need layout or staffing changes to comply.
18–20-year-olds can sell tobacco
Starting July 1, 2026, employees who are 18 to 20 may sell or hand out tobacco and e‑cigarettes at work. Workers under 21 can also handle stock for their jobs. This expands job duties for young workers.
Minor-exempt permit for adult venues
Starting July 1, 2026, some locations can get a minor‑exempt permit. You qualify if on‑site alcohol sales are at least 55% of total revenue, or your business is primarily sexually oriented. Minors must be banned and that ban posted on every entrance. These locations are exempt from inspections that use a minor.
More accessories count as tobacco products
Starting July 1, 2026, Idaho treats more items as tobacco products. Accessories like filters, rolling papers, wraps, pipes, and cigar items like humidors, cutters, lighters, and natural wraps are covered. Sellers and makers must follow tobacco permits, sales limits, and sign rules for these items.
Shipping and delivery rules for tobacco
Starting July 1, 2026, if you ship tobacco or e‑smoking devices after a delivery sale, you must add a clear shipping notice. The notice must say Idaho bans shipping to people under 21 and that taxes are due. If you deliver the order yourself, you must follow vendor‑assisted sales rules at delivery.
Businesses must block EBT tobacco buys
Starting July 1, 2026, listed businesses must stop EBT payments for banned purchases like tobacco. If a business violates the rules, the department can notify licensing authorities and require the store’s Quest EBT business ID to be disabled. The department can also require ATM cash denials at the location. The owner pays the costs to disable the BIN or block ATM cash.
Rules for mobile cigar sales and events
Beginning July 1, 2026, each mobile cigar unit needs its own annual, unit‑specific permit and must post age‑21 signs. A designated cigar garden at events must be fenced or roped off and 21+ only. Mobile units and cigar gardens can skip vendor‑assisted sales if the area is 21+ and under continuous staff supervision. On‑site cigar rolling at 21+ events can bypass sealed‑packaging and free‑sample bans when only cigars or natural leaves are offered and the host or buyer paid retail. Specialty stores with at least 75% tobacco merchandise can also be exempt if no minors are allowed and the ban is posted.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
James Petzke
Republican • House
Brandon Shippy
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/26/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 32 • No: 2
House vote • 3/16/2026
House Floor Vote
Yes: 65 • No: 4
Actions Timeline
Reported Signed by Governor on April 2, 2026 Session Law Chapter 279 Effective: 07/01/2026
4/2/2026Received from the House enrolled/signed by Speaker
3/30/2026SenateReported Enrolled; Signed by Speaker; Transmitted to Senate
3/27/2026HouseRead third time in full – PASSED - 32-2-1
3/26/2026HouseRead second time; filed for Third Reading
3/24/2026HouseReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation; Filed for second reading
3/23/2026HouseReceived from the House passed; filed for first reading
3/17/2026SenateRead Third Time in Full – PASSED - 65-4-1
3/16/2026HouseRead second time; Filed for Third Reading
3/13/2026HouseReported out of Committee with Do Pass Recommendation, Filed for Second Reading
3/12/2026HouseReported Printed and Referred to Business
3/4/2026HouseIntroduced, read first time, referred to JRA for Printing
3/3/2026House
Bill Text
Bill Text
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