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MaineLD 1938132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act Regarding the Regulation of Tobacco

Sponsored By: Matt Moonen (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

MISCELLANEOUS TAXESMISCELLANEOUS TAXES - TOBACCO PRODUCTS TAX

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

Stricter age checks, no free tobacco

Beginning January 5, 2026, retailers and distributors may not sell, give, or offer tobacco to anyone under 21, except people who were already 18 on July 1, 2018. Sellers must check a photo ID with date of birth for anyone who appears under 30. If a buyer shows a fake ID and the seller reasonably relied on it, the seller has a defense. Retailers and distributors cannot give away tobacco products.

Lower wholesale markup, higher fines

Beginning January 5, 2026, the 2% statutory markup no longer applies when a distributor sells cigarettes to a licensed wholesale dealer; only the trade discount applies. Importing or selling cigarettes at wholesale without a distributor license is a civil violation. Fines are $500–$1,000 for a first violation and $1,000–$2,000 for later violations.

No vending machines, stricter licenses

Beginning January 5, 2026, the state does not issue licenses that allow tobacco sales by vending machine. Vending machines no longer count as a place of business. A business needs a separate retail tobacco license, and fee, for each location. Seasonal mobile vendors can use one annual license, but it must list each fair, location, and the dates. A court can revoke a license across all locations a licensee controls. The license applies to retail sales; giving away tobacco alone does not need a retail license.

Older cigarette stock must be stamped

Beginning January 5, 2026, all cigarette packs held for resale on September 19, 2005 must have Maine tax stamps. Holders of those packs are liable for the difference between the current tax (100 mills per cigarette) and the pre‑September 19, 2005 tax (50 mills). The old vending‑machine exception is removed.

Broader vaping and smoking rules

Beginning January 5, 2026, the law expands what counts as smoking to include electronic smoking devices and heated tobacco or plant products. It also broadens the definition of electronic smoking device by removing “to simulate smoking,” so more devices are covered under health and tax laws. Several older statutory parts are repealed to align and update the rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Matt Moonen

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Amy Kuhn

    Democratic • House

  • Anne Graham

    Democratic • House

  • Henry L. Ingwersen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Michele Meyer

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 367

    6/18/2025

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/16/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/16/2025House

  4. On motion by Senator INGWERSEN of York Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-676) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-676), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    6/13/2025Senate

  5. Reports READ.On motion of Representative MEYER of Eliot, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-676) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-676). Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/13/2025House

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES in concurrence

    5/6/2025Senate

  7. Committee on Health and Human Services suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/6/2025House

Bill Text

  • Amendment C-A (H-676), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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