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MississippiSB 26912025 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

MS Juvenile Tobacco Access Prevention Act; amend to prohibit the sale of tobacco or tobacco products to those under age 21.

Sponsored By: Hob Bryan (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Public Health and Human ServicesPublic Health and Welfare

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Tobacco sellers face age-21 sales rules

Effective upon passage, Mississippi raises the tobacco sales age from 18 to 21. Sellers cannot sell, barter, deliver, or give tobacco to anyone under 21, except someone holding a tobacco retailer's license. Existing legal defenses now use age 21: retail sellers must request and examine government-issued photo identification before the sale. Mail-order sellers need written or documentary proof that the recipient is at least 21. Sales violations carry fines of $50 for a first conviction, $75 for a second, and $150 for later convictions. Retailers receive a warning letter after the first conviction. After a second conviction, the retailer or a representative must enroll in a tobacco education program. A third or later violation within one year of the two prior violations can trigger permit suspension or revocation for at least one year. Repeat violations count at the same business location. After permit revocation by the Department of Revenue, retailers cannot reapply for six months. Violations require citations, and permit holders receive registered-mail notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Every tobacco checkout must display a readable sign stating that sales to people under 21 are prohibited and proof of age is required. Signs must measure at least 8.5 by 11 inches or 93 square inches; violations carry fines up to $100. Tobacco vending machines are allowed only where people under 21 cannot enter or must have an adult with them. Vending-machine violations carry penalties up to $250. Law enforcement retains authority to use supervised buyers under 21 for compliance checks. Agencies must report enforcement actions, including unannounced inspections, to the Attorney General within 20 working days after final disposition. Following local law enforcement notice of permit revocation, the Attorney General must notify the Department of Revenue within 20 working days. The Attorney General also provides legal help with revocation proceedings when the department requests it.

Identity protection for tobacco offenders under 21

Effective upon passage, the law bars publishing the name or identity of anyone under 21 convicted of a tobacco-law violation. This protection also covers people under 21 whose violations are decided through adjudication.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Hob Bryan

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 166 • No: 3

House vote • 3/5/2025

Passed

Yes: 117 • No: 1 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 2/5/2025

Passed

Yes: 49 • No: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor

    3/12/2025legislature

  2. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/11/2025House

  3. Enrolled Bill Signed

    3/10/2025Senate

  4. Returned For Enrolling

    3/6/2025House

  5. Passed

    3/5/2025House

  6. Title Suff Do Pass

    2/27/2025House

  7. Referred To Public Health and Human Services

    2/11/2025House

  8. Transmitted To House

    2/6/2025Senate

  9. Passed

    2/5/2025Senate

  10. Title Suff Do Pass

    1/28/2025Senate

  11. Referred To Public Health and Welfare

    1/20/2025Senate

Bill Text

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